This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project
to make the world's books discoverable online.
It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject
to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books
are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.
Marks, notations and other marginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the
publisher to a library and finally to you.
Usage guidelines
Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing this resource, we have taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.
We also ask that you:
+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.
+ Refrain from automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.
+ Maintain attribution The Google "watermark" you see on each file is essential for informing people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.
+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liability can be quite severe.
About Google Book Search
Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web
at http : //books . google . com/|
Digitized by
Google
^ -' • ■/ t>7/.i
Harvard College
Library
mmr*
Gift of
The Author
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
^^
X/ /r>* A=«>
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
THE
MARKET BOOK
OOMTlINOrO ▲
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
OF THE PUBLIC MARKETS IN THE CITIES OF
Fitk I brief Deieri^ tf mrj Irtide tf Hnu hd add ttoeii
THE DTTBODUOTION OF CATTLE IN AMEBIOA
AND Noncis or HANY »»!«*»» *»■■ sncDoim
BT
THOMAS p. DB VOB
IN TWO VOLUIIBS
Vol. I.
NEW YORK
PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR
1862.
Digitized by
Google
It... c . ^/
'^ i -
Uf . -TY
LB^.RY
iSoUrtd iccordlng to Act of Coogroi, in the year 1862,
Hy TiioM AH P. Di VoB,
In tlift Clark's OAeo of Uut DiHirict Court of the United Sutes for the Soathern
DiAtrict of New York.
A • /.
Digitized by
Google
THIS YOLUMK CONTAINS
A HISTORY
PUBLIC MARKETS
CITY OF n:e:'w york,
FROM ITS FQtST SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIMEL
wm mnmon anuom amv uiubeablb noiDnTi oomncniD twubwrh,
jUM niTmoDOonoff or OATTUif surrun, tbadoio, rucn, avd lawb;
■OROin or TRB OLD BCROHBE BCTOHBM, AND TBI UC
or MODBBK nim; Toomnm wm ▲ ooimLA-
mm or wAon or btbrt sobt un cBABiona
ULATDIO TO THB MniMT.
rAOT, NOT rAMOT.
Digitized by
Google
t
Digitized by
Google
TO
GEORGE H. MOORE, Esq*,
THIS YOLUMB
IS MOOT ABSPEGTFULLT DEDICATED,
AS A TRIBDTE OF ESTEEM AND REaPEGT,
FOR HIS UNWAVERING FRIENDSHIP TO
THE AUTHOR.
Digitized by
Google
Digitized by
Google
PREFACE.
A Pbefacb appears to be demanded from all who are goiliy of
introducing another book into life; whether it is done for fame,
name, profit, the public good, to be instructiye or interesting, or
for any other consideration.
In my case, being found here, so much out of my line^ I do not
know under which, or how many, of the above heads to place myself;
and I must therefore leave the reader to judge, and determine my
position from his own estimate of my merit.
For several years, the unemployed hours from my business, or
rather profession, had hung heavily on my mind, and to fill them up
satisfactorily, was a thought I had often indulged in. To be sure,
at times, there were no leisure hours, not one of the twenty-four, but
what were needed for rest ; and again, one, two, three, and sometimes
four, could be employed in doing something, either useful or wasteful ;
but what to do, was the question. I knew I had some knowledge,
which business and observation had given me; but I also knew that
I was very deficient in learning^ or at least of knowing how to ex-
press myself, satisfactorily to myself. So I thought to improve, or
at least to inform myself, even at this late day ; but the reader may
say, "An old scholar is not an apt one" — and so I found it. I had
the disadvantage of not knowing which end to begin with, but
went headforemost into what appeared to me to be the most agree-
able to my feelings.
Early in life, (1829,) I had engaged in the military, and have
continued in it, I may say with but a short intermission, to the pres-
ent day: this somewhat excited the mind, and sometimes drew
heavily on my leisure hours, while I sought such information as I
could find on this subject. My researches at last extended to the
"rooms" of the Historical Society, where I became acquainted with
the attentive, obliging, and gentlemanly Librarian, Mr. George H.
Digitized by
Google
Viii PREFACE.
Moore, who, after an agreeable acquaintance, unexpectedly caused
me to be introduced as a member of this honored association. Here
he opened out to me all the rich treasures contained therein, and I
eagerly devoured^ not only the ^^mUitary subjects/^ but all connected
with our city ; and at last I began to fed that I had either swallowed
or been bitten by a raind antiquary. I found there was no remedy
for this dreadful disease, but by taking, in allopathic doses, sundry
piles of old musty records, in various forms and at various times.
I submitted to the treatment, but, in my case, it only relieved the
disease for a short period after the last time-ioorn paper of ihepUe
had passed ; upon the sight or knowledge of another, it again re-
turned in full force. In fact, I had acquired a fondness for histori-
cal information, and more especially for such as related to my native
city.
The numerous Records and Files of the Common Council, with
various old books, newspapers, pamphlets, <fec., had been glanced
over, and the result was, a large mass of historical material, on
various subjects, had been collected, as I then thought, more for my
own personal gratification and amusement, than for any other use.
However, I found my researches had so completed my knowledge
of the introduction, time, place, name, and the final exit of the
numerous public market-places in the City of New York, that I
was enabled to give them, or rather parts of them, to the "press,"
in answer to some "Reports" and "Communications."
My esteemed friend, Mr. Moore, gently hinted that a paper on
this subject would be acceptable to the Society ; that I had drawn
heavily upon the Treasures of the Society, and that it was due to
them. I admitted the justice of the claim, but pleaded my position
and ineflSciency, and that I could much better furnish any other
than an intellectual feast However, after repeated playful de-
mands, I consented to prepare a sketch, with the understanding
that he should revise, if he thought proper, and read it.
Before it was finished, one other intimate friend, who belonged
to the Society, said to me, that I "must prepare and read the paper
without any assistance." To this I answered, " I would not think
of such a thing, as it might not only reflect on the Society, but also
upon myself." Says he, " Then you must disappoint the Society,
yourself, as well as otic or two others^ who have not displayed very
friendly feelings, on learning the proposed arrangement." I had
always practiced and preferred a retired position, but I felt stung,
and concluded that, if there was anything in me, it must now come
Digitized by
Google
PBEFACB. ix
out; BO, with renewed and my best energies, I finished the paper ^
sought Mr. Moore, explained my position, and asked his presence
at my honse, to say whether I must fail or succeed. He decided
in favor of the latter, and, at my request, gave me an introductory
letter to the Rev. Dr. Osgood, one of the Committee on Papers to
be read, that I might also consult with him.
In the mean time, I found that the " Chamber of Commerce" (the
History of which had been so well written by the Hon. Charles
King, the present highly esteemed President of Columbia College,)
had been a prominent body, with whom the military authorities
bad consulted on many subjects, including our public markets, dur-
ing the Revolution. To get at the details on this subject, I was
enabled, through a letter of introduction, to consult Mr. King,
when he became interested in my paper, and I was greatly pleased
to be summoned before him, that he might advise with me in rela-
tion to it. He listened to the result of my efforts, and in the end
he gratified me by saying that he should come to hear it again be-
fore the Society. Then, with the approbation of the Rev. Dr.
Osgood, who had also heard it read, I felt fully prepared to^face
this strong battery of wisdom, intelligence, and honor, as well as
the several regiments of soldiers which I have had the honor to
command — without flinching.
On the evening of the 4th of May, 1858, 1 read my paper before
the New York Historical Society, and its reception was all, and
more, than I expected ; and, if confession is proper here, I was
elated — it struck in so deep, that — the result is before you. I
might also add, that a few days after, a further impetus was given
me, by several complimentary resoluilons, from some professional
and other friends, requesting me to repeat the reading of the above,
at an early day, to which, with pleasure, I consented. This took
place in the large Hall of the Cooper Institute; and again it was
most flatteringly received. On both occasions, the "press" gener-
ally and favorably noticed my effort, for which many thanks are
due.
The employment of my leisure hours has, at times, been so dis-
connected, in consequence of my engagements and the usual troubles
and trials of business, that it was difiicult, sometimes, to ^et back
on my old trail: this, with the faults, c^ rather the neglect, of edu-
cation, will no doubt cause the style and grammar to be somewhat
broken, disconnected, or inelegant. However, my whole aim has
been, that it should be fadj not fancy — accurate and faithful ; to
Digitized by
Google
X PREFACE.
give precisely what I found and experienced ; preserving as much
of the original language and orthography as possible; denoting
extracts, as such, with marks of quotation, and using my own lan-
guage to connect or carry on the subject in this Tolume.
I now find myself in that position where my indebtedness is so
much, to so many, that I fear I cannot name all to whom I owe
many thanks. To the courtesy and kindness of Darid T. Valentine,
Esq., Clerk of the Common Council; George H. Moore, Esq,,
Librarian of the New York Historical Society, and the Librarians
of the several Libraries of our City, as of several others; to
Dr. John W. Francis, (deceased,) Hon. Henry Meigs, Messrs. Wil-
liam J. Davis, Henry B. Dawson, Col. William Appleby, Jacob
Aims, Thomas Jeremiah, Daniel Burtnett, John M. Seaman, John
Scott, (deceased,) and numerous other gentlemen, I specially ac-
knowledge my obligations. I have also derived much assistance
from the works of O'Oallaghan, Dunlap, Smith, Watson, Moulton,
Hardie, Horsmanden, Valentine, Ac.
Almost every one (more especially the aged citizen) has some
special historical knowledge, connected with family, friends, or
neighborhood, worthy of being known and revealed, for the instruc-
tion or gratification of others, or as shedding new light upon the
annals of our city. Permit me, in concluding this Pr^cuXf to ask
from such as have the power to grant it, that if, while reading these
sketches of the past, their own memories may be stirred by long-
dormant recollections of remarkable incidents or scenes, they will
be good enough to note these recollections, as material for the use
of either myself, or others who, like myself, may adventure upon
the agreeable task of seeking to revive by-gone days.
THOMAS P. DE VOE,
JBtUcher.
Jbffebson Markvt,
CiTT OP New York, 186L
Digitized by
Google
INTRODUCTION.
In presenting the following historical matter, I do not propose to
reveal anything which is new or even interesting to the historian,
whose well-worn path is before me ; and although I may not follow
in his immediate footsteps, yet I must travel on the same high-road,
or I cannot be true to history.
The historian, in seeking his mental fare, looks only for the choicest
and most substantial food to satisfy his natural appetite ; and his
eagle eye merely glances at the stray crumbs which have fallen from
his plate, while the hungry gleaner, who follows after, is forced to
pick them up, to cover such othw rejected food as may be left, but
which he gladly seizes and ravenously devours. I therefore hope to
find the reader hungry enough to partake of the gleaner^s fare.
The contents of this volume will chiefly relate to the establish-
ment of the several market-places and public market-houses within
the present limits of the City of New York.
No doubt the number will surprise many; there having been
more than forty, although several have been found located on or
near the same spot where a former one had ceased to exist. They
were, however, separate and distinct markets, as will appear from
the various sources of evidence presented through the following
In giving each their separate histories, many interesting incidents
or local facts will be introduced, to relieve the necessary sameness
of 80 much building up and tearing or tumbling down, which so
many ptibltc edifices would seem to demand. Although not an in-
teresting subject, yet the early age and associations may assist to
interest the minds of those who now and then like to look back at
the ages past; to see the feeble steps of the first settlers; to follow
the more firm tread of their children; and to witness the rapid
strides of their fast generations.
The main object of the early settlers of New Netherlands was, no
doubt, to better their condition ; and when they beheld these beautiful
Digitized by
Google
Xii INTRODUCTION.
and bountiful lands — as Van der Donk says, " The country fruitful
and advantageously situated, possessed good and safe hayens, rivers,
fisheries, and many other worthy appurtenances;" and, in truth,
excelled their Fatherland, {Netherlands) — ^they had good reason to
name it New Netherlands. ** In short, (says Lambrechtsen,) New
Netherlands, to make use of Hudson's own words, was the most beau-
tiful country on which you could tread your feet. The natives were
good-natured, peaceable, and obliging ; the climate pretty near at
par with ours ; so that New Netherlands was very properly adapted
for our nation, to be settled by it, as there seemed nothing wanting
but domestic cattle."
The natives were also found to be agriculturists, cultivating the
land, and producing many species of grain and vegetables. Hud-
son says : " I sailed to the shore in one of their canoes with an old
man, who was the chief of a tribe consisting of forty men and seven-
teen women ; these I saw — there in a house well constructed of oak-
bark, and circular in shape, so that it had the appearance of being
built with an arched roof. It contained a great quantity of maize,
or Indian corn, and beans of the last year's growth ; and there lay
near the house, for the purpose of drying, enough to load three ships,
besides what was growing in the fields."
The chase also furnished them, at one and at the same time, with
clothing and food from the various species of wild animals, wild
fowl, fish, fruits, nuts and roots, and fine oysters, which they, at
times, exchanged with or gave to the sometimes almost starving set-
tlers. In an address from the Indians to the ambassadors of Gov.
Kieft, they say : " When you first arrived on our shores, you were
often in want of food ; we gave you our beans and our corn, and
let you eat our oysters and fish."*
The West India Company went into active operation in the year
1623, trading principally in peltries, but did not do much to en-
courage the settlement or population. " Not a particle of the soil
was reclaimed, save what scantily supplied a few servants of the
Company."t The country, however, was becoming more favorably
known to the Directors, who resolved to further improve it, by
sending over several families, and introducing domestic cattle.
Accordingly, in the spring of 1625, (says Wassenaer,) Peter Evertsen
Hulft (one of the members of the Board) brought in two ships, of
280 tons burden, " one hundred and three cattle, among which were
stallions, mares, bulls and cows, for breeding, as well as swine and
sheep. These beasts were all very well provided for on ship-board
O'CaUaghan. f Ibid.
Digitized by
Google
INTRODUCTION. xiii
— olinoBt as well as on shore. Each one had his own stall, arranged
with a flooring of sand/' with plenty of water, hay, and straw.
" The beasts, two of which only died on the passage, were, on
their arrival, landed on Noten Island^ (now Governor's IslandJ
bnt there being no grazing-ground for them at that spot, they were,
a day or two afterwards, taken by shallops and barges to Manhat-
tan, where they eventually throve very well, though some twenty,
in all, were lost: many of them by eating some kind of poisonous
vegetation, which had also destroyed the first shipment of domestic
animals, sent here several years before. These were brought by
Bmdrick Ohristiansen^ but were all of the smaller kinds, consisting
of bucks and goats, also rabbits.' We may therefore conclude that
those brought by Hulft in 1625 were the first large domestic cattle
introduced ; and those also of the smaller species brought by him,
were Hie first of the breed successfully prolific in New Netherlands"
In 1626,^ Director Minuit concluded a treaty with the natives,
by which they ceded Manhattan Island to the Dutch, for the sum
of ^^sixty guilders." The land which composes the now great City
and County of New York, estimated to contain twefiity-tioo thousand
acres of land, was purchased for twenty-four doUarsI So the
"West India Company" became the owners, and reserved it for
themselves, as stated in their "Charter of Liberties;" but they
made very slow progress either in colonizing it, or in producing
many of the common necessaries of life.
Dominie Jonas Mtchadius, in a letter dated August 11th, 1628,
says: "We want ten or twelve farmers, with horses, cows, and la-
borers in proportion, to furnish us with bread and fresh butter, milk
and cheese."
The population two years before (1626) numbered but "two
hundred and seventy souls, including men, women, and children ;"t
but in 1629 the Company offered greater inducements, in the
forms of "freedoms and exemptions" to families or single persons,
and a "patroonship" to those who would, in four years, "plant a
colonie of fifty souls, upwards of fifteen years old ; " the last
named, however, were not allowed to settle on the Island of Man-
hattan, and " all fruit and wares that are produced on the lands
situated on the North River, and lying thereabout, shall for the
present be brought there, before they may be sent elsewhere. "J
In the "Conditions entered into and made between the Lords
the Burgomasters of the City of Amsterdam and the West India
Company," favorable articles were also set forth to encourage colo-
* WaasenMr. Also, Hoi. Doc. Col. Hia. f Wanenier.
t M. T. H. C. N. 8., voL L, p. 371.
Digitized by
Google
xiy INTRODUCTION.
nization. Article 6 says, " That the said cily (Amsterdam) shall
provide a suitable piece of land on the banks of a river for a
proper dwelling-place for the colonists. The place shall be pro-
vided with a trench and wall on the outer side, and the inner
ground be laid out with streets, a market, and in lots, for the ad-
vantage of merchants, mechanics, and those who will pursue agri-
culture— the whole to be done at the cost of said city."
"Art. 9. And to the end that the colonists may be provided
with necessaries as far as is practicable, the said city shall supply
them with clothing and Tiecessaries for one year, and also with seed-
grain ; and for the assurance and certainty of having the necessary
supplies on hand, the city shall erect a large magazine or warehouse
in said place for the storage of clothing and necessaries for the
people, wherein they shall keep their /actor, who shall supply every
colonist with necessary clothing, household necessaries, and hus-
bandry articles, at the same prices of this country, (Amsterdam) —
the toll of the Company not charged."*
The Directors in Holland, in the year 1639, to further encour-
age emigration, offered free passages to such farmers and their fam-
ilies "as were desirous of proceeding to New Netherlands, where,
on their arrival, they were promised to be furnished for six years
with a farm, fit for the plough, a dwelling-house, a barn, a suitable
number of laborers, four horses, an equal number of cows, sheep
and swine in proportion, with the necessary farming implements;
for which they were, however, to be bound to pay a yearly rent of
one hundred guilders, (equal to $40,) and eighty pounds of butter.
On the expiration of his lease, the tenant was to restore the same
number of cattle that he had received on entering into possession,
retaining for himself whatever increase there might have been, in
the mean time, from the original stock. To those who owned
farms, but who had not the means of providing stock, the Com-
pany loaned cattle for a certain number of years, *on halves;'
that is, on expiration of the contract, the number ftirnished were
restored, with half the increase."
Additions were also made from the settlements in New England
and Virginia, where the freedom of conscience had been proscribed.
They removed by "whole towns to the Netherlands, to enjoy that
religious liberty denied them by their own countrymen;" but in
order to secure their allegiance, "they were therefore called on to
take and subscribe an oath of fldelity."t
• N. Y. H. C, N. S., VOL L, p. 239. f O'CaUaghan.
Digitized by
Google
WEST INDIA COMPANY'S STORE.
The Company's large "Magazine, or Warehouse," consisted
of five substantial stone buildings, adjoining each other, afterwards
known as the " Company's Store-Houses," was erected at an early
period. They occupied a position fronting westward, towards
** Fort Amsterdam," where an open space, of more than one hun-
dred feet in width, originally laid between them. This open space
or street, which extended along the front of the ** Store-Houses,"
was called " Winkle Street," Market Street, or Store Street, and
ran nearly on a line of Whitehall Street. On this street, be-
tween the present Bridge and Stone Streets, stood the " Company's
Store-Houses,"* in which was the Jirst regularly appointed depot or
market-place in New Amsterdam, and from which the settlers were
sapplied with the daily necessaries of life. This fact, however, will
be more satisfactorily shown in a malversation committed by one
of the Company's servants a few years after. There is no doubt,
however, that previous to the erection of these " Store-Houses,"
and the introduction of domestic cattle, the inhabitants were chiefly
furnished by the Indians with the flesh of wild game, fish, oysters,
clams, and such vegetation as they produced.
The town, in 1633, came under the administration of Director
Van Twiller, who improved the fortifications, built a church, and
several dwelling-houses. But, "scarcely one solitary agricultural
settler had been, as yet, sent over by the Company to fell the
forest or reclaim the wilderness."t
Governor Van Twiller appears to have devoted the greater part
of his time to agriculture. " One of his plantations was at Red
Hook ; and Governor's Island, which is supposed always, from the
first settlement, to have been a perquisite of the Director-General
for the time being, was said to have been so near Red Hook, that
cattle crossed the channel to and fro at low water."t "This Island
he purchased, in June, 1634, from the Indian proprietors, who called
it 'Pagganck,' or *Nut Island;' the Dutch lengthened it to *Noten,'
or Nutten Island ; and the English further, to Governor's Island.
He also purchased two islands at Hell Gate, in July, now known
as Randall's and Great Barn Island. These 'plantations' he had
taken care to have well stocked, but greatly ne^lect^d those of the
Company, which were found by his successor. Sir William Kieft, in
* Vftlentine, Hist of N. Y. City Records. f O'CalUghan. t DunUp.
Digitized by
Google
16
WEST INDIA COMPANY'S STORE.
1638, to be without tenants, stock, or cultiyation, and thrown into
* commons.* "*
At this period, (1637,) we find the price of provisions and rates
of wages for laborers were as follows: "J?yc was worth two florins
and a half (about one dollar) per schepel of three pecks. Maize, (or
Indian com,) one and a half florin. Wheat , three florins. Peas^
four to five florins. Broken barley, four florins. Pork, seven stivers
per pound. Meat, (beef,) six stivers do. A hog six months old
brought fifteen florins. A keg of butter, twenty-five florins. A la-
l)orer in harvest got about eighty cents a day, on other occasion^
sixty ; while the price of a negro was forty florins, or $16."t
At the commencement of Van Twiller's administration, an
"Inventory" shows that all the Company's farms had been
*' liberally stocked with brood-mares, oxen, milch-cows, heifers,
yearlings, goats, calves, and the necessary farming implements."
While after its close, was found, from their "five or six farms on
Manhattan Island — which were now destitute of a creature — 16
milch-cows, 10 mares, a number of sheep and other stock, had been
sold and otherwise disposed of." So that many of Van Twiller's
acts appeared to give cause for suspicion that " he had not hesi-
tated to enrich himself at the Company's expense."^
His example was followed by another of the Company's servants;
as we find, a few years afterwards, the store-keeper, Ullrick Lu-
poid, was complained of for extortion and malversation. "The
inhabitants being generally supplied from the Company's store with
whatever goods or necessaries they required at fixed prices, being
fifty per cent, advance on their prime cost, a list was posted in a
conspicuous place for public inspection, which shows that several
articles had become lessened in price in a few years, no doubt in
consequence of the increasing number of agriculturists. This list
is arranged as follows :
A hog, (common size,) $ 8.00
GftbbAge, (f^ 100,) 12.00
StaTCB, (^ 1,000 of 1,200,) 32.00
Fresh meat,
6
stivers,
§ or 10 ctB. f^ lb.
Pork,
6
II
10 " «
Butter,
8
u
16 " "
To!>acco,
7
u
U « «
Dried fish,
12
«
24 " «
Hard bread,
16
<l
yioo
Wbeateo bread,?
«
or 14 cte. f^ loaf.
Rye bread.
5
«
10 "
Corn bread,
4
(1
8 «« "
Indian com,
60
eta. f^ Bchepelll
Barley,
$2.00
«
Peas,
S.25
u
Wheaten flonr,
1.00
M
Sugar,
Sour wine,
Spanish wine,
French wine,
Grogham,
Kersey flannel,
White linen,
Red flannel,
Children's shoes,
Brass kettles.
17 to 24 stivers *% lb.
$Sl V bhd.
4 Btivera f^ quart
10 " "
$1.00 f^ elL
1.20 "
18 to 20 sUvem **
$1.20 "
36 stivers f^ pair.
40 " fi piece;
•Valentine. f O'Callaghan. {Ibid.
§ Stiver, valued at about two cents. || About three pecks.
Digitized by
Google
WEST INDIA COMPANY'S STORE. H
" The inhabitants complained, it is right to add, that the goods /
in the Company's store were overvalued : a complaint which was
subsequently admitted to have sufScient foundation in fact; for
Wrick Lupoid, the store-keeper in charge, was found guilty of ex-
tortion and malversation, and sentenced by the Director and Coun-
cil, by and with the advice of the principal inhabitants, to removal
from office ; to pay, in addition, a fine of eighty dollars, and to be
banished to Holland. His sentence was, however, remitted, on Lu-
pold's petition; but he was ordered to satisfy the 'Company' for
his malversation."*
The prospects in agricultural pursuits, and more especially in
that of cattle and hogs, had become so thriving and favorable, as
to cause Governor Eieft and his Council to establish, on the 15th
September, 1641, "two Fairs at New Amsterdam: one to be holden
annually, on the 15th of October, for cattle generally; the other on
the first of November, for hogs."t
We have been favored with interesting descriptions of the cattle,
hogs, and other animals, both tame and wild, domestic fowl, birds,
fish, with numerous agricultural productions, as they then appeared,
by Van der Donk and other early writers, from which the following
extracts appear to be suitable:
Van der Donk says, " The CaMk in New Netherlands are mostly
of the Holland breed, and with proper care, they raise as fine cat-
tle as we do in Holland. There are also cattle brought over from
the province of Utrecht, which are kept in the highlands at Amers-
fort, (Flatlands, L. I.,) where they thrive as well as in Holland ;
the increase is not quite as large, but the stock give milk enough,
thrive well in pasture, and yield much tallow.
" They also have English cattle in the country, which are not im-
ported by the Netherlanders, but purchased from the English in
New England. Those cattle thrive as well as the Holland cattle,
and do not require as much care and provender ; and, as in England,
this breed will do well unsheltered whole winters. This breed of
cattle do not grow near as large as the Dutch cattle; do not give
as much milk, and are much cheaper ; but they fat and tallow well.
"They who desire to cross the breeds, and raise the best kind of
stock, put a Holland bull to their English cows, by which they pro-
duce a good mixed breed of cattle without much cost. Oxen do
good service there, and are not only used by the English, but by
some of the Netherlanders also, to the wagon and plough. The
grazing of cattle for slaughtering is also progressing, as well of
oxen as of other cattle, which produces profit in beef and tallow."
* OX^aUaghan. t City Records.
Vol. I.— 2
Digitized by
Google
18 WEST INDIA COMPANY'S STORE.
" Hogs are numerous and plenty — some of the citizens prefer the
English breed of hogp, because they are hardy, and subsist better in
winter without shelter ; but the Holland hogs grow much larger and
heavier, and have thicker pork."
" Sheep are also kept in the New Netherlands, but not as many as
in New England, where the weaving business is driven, and where
much attention is paid to sheep, to which our Netherlanders pay
little attention. The sheep thrive well, and become fat enough. I
Lave seen mutton so exceedingly fat there, that it was too luscious
and oflFensive. The flocks require to be guarded and tended on ac-
count of the wolves, for which purpose men cannot be spared ; there
is also a more important hinderance to the keeping of sheep, which
are principally kept for their wool. New Netherlands throughout
is a woody country, being almost everywhere beset with trees,
stumps, and brushwood, wherein the sheep pasture, and by which
they lose most of their wool, which by appearance does not seem to
be out, but when sheared turns out light in the fleeces. These are
reasons against the keeping of sheep."
"The inhabitants keep more goats than sheep, which succeed best;
they also give good milk, which is always necessary, and because
they cost little, they are of importance to the new settlers and
planters, who possess small means. Such persons keep goats in-
stead of cows. Goats cost little, and are very prolific; and the
young castrated tups afibrd fine, delightful meat, which is always
in demand.
" The New Netherlanders also have every kind of domcstic/ott??«,
as we have in Holland, such as capons^ turkeys, geese, and ducks.
There are also pigeoners, who keep several kinds of pigeons. In
a word, they have tame animals of every description, including cats
and dogs."*
Among the species of wild animals, " were panthers, bears, buf-
faloes, elk, deer, wolves, wild-cats, foxes, racoons, beavers, otters,
fishers, minks, hares, muskrats, rabbits, squirrels, skunks, ground-
hogs, drummers," &c.
*' The bears of this country (says Van der Donk) arc not raven-
ous, arid do not subsist on flesh and carrion, as the bears of Muscovy
and Greenland do. They subsist on grass, herbs, nuts, acorns, and
chestnuts, which, we are told by the Indians, they will gather and
eat on the trees. In the fall they always are fat."
'* The Indians esteem the fore-quarters and the plvcJcs as excel-
lent food. I have never tasted the meat, but several Christians,
•N.Y.H. C.N.S.,vol.I., p. les.
Digitized by
Google
WEST INDIA COMPANY'S STORE. 19
who have eaten bear's flesh, say it is as good as any swine's flesh or
pork can be.
*' Buffaloes are tolerable plenty. These animals mostly keep to-
wards the southwest, where few people go. Their meat is excellent,
and more desirable than the flesh of the deer, although it is much
coarser. Their skins, when dressed, are heavy enough for collars
and harness. These animals are not very wild, and some persons
are of opinion that they may be domesticated and tamed."*
Of elk. Van der Donk says, " I have heard from the mouth of a
Jesuit, who had been taken prisoner by the Mohawk Indians and
released by our people, and came to me, that there were many wild
forest oxen in Canada and Nova Francia, which, in Latin, they
name boves silvestreSj (the moose, or elk,) which are as large as
horses, having long hair on their necks like the mane of a horse,
and cloven hoofs; but that, like the buffalo, the animals were not
fierce."
Another writer says, " I have also eaten here several times of
elks, which were very fat, and tasted something like venison."
" In the forests is great plenty of deer, which in harvest-time and
autumn are as fat as any Holland deer can be. I ha^e had them
with fat more than two fingers thick on the ribs, so that they were
nothing else than clear fat, and could hardly be eaten."
" We seldom pass through the fields without seeing deer, more or
less, and we frequently see them in flocks. The year before I came
here, (1641,) there were so many turkeys and deer that they came
to the houses and hog-pens to feed, and were taken by the Indians
with so little trouble, that a deer was sold to the Dutch for a lorf
of breads or a knife , or even a tobacco-pipe; but now we commonly
give for a large deer six or seven guilders."!
*' The wild birds were as numerous as the wild animals. Eagles,
falcons, sparrow-hawks, sailing-hawks, kites, ravens, castrills, crows,
cat-owls, turkyes, partridges, pheasants, woodcocks, snipes, quails,
cranes, herons, pigeons, land-runners, woodpeckers, thrushes, black-
birds," &C.J Van der Donk says, " The most important fowl of the
country is the wild turkey. They resemble the tame turkyes of the
Netherlands. Those birds are common in the woods all over the
country, and are found in large flocks, from twenty to forty in a
flock. They are large, heavy, fat, and fine, weighing from twenty
to thirty pounds each, and I have heard of one that weighed thirty-
two pounds. They differ little in taste from the tame turkeys; but
the epicures prefer the wild kind. They are best in the fall of the
year, when the Indians will usually sell a turkey for ten stivers.
• O'Callagfaan. f Ibid. t Megapolensis.
Digitized by
Google
20 WEST INDIA COMPANY'S STORE.
Sometimes the turkeys are caught with dogs in the snow; but the
greatest number are shot at night from the trees. The Indians take
many in snares, when the weather changes in winter. Then they
lay bulbous roots, which the turkeys are fond of, in the small rills
and streams of water, which the birds take up, when they are en-
snared and held until the artful Indian takes the turkey as his
prize."
" There are also several kinds of quails in the country, some of
which are smaller, (common quail J and others larger, (the partridge
ov pheasant,) than those of the Netherlands. In the Netherlands it
is not believed that they will alight and sit in trees ; but it is true
that many {partridges) are shot from trees in this country. I have
done it several times, and have killed a hundred or more from trees.
I have also heard from respectable authority that eleven heath-
fowls {prairie hen) have been killed at a shot — off a palisade
fence. There are also woodcocks, birdcocks, heath-fowls, pheasants,
wood and water snipes, &c., and many cranes, of which great num-
bers are shot on the mowed lands in the fall of the year, and they
are fine for the table. Quacks and bitterns are also plenty.
"The pigeons, which resemble coal-pigeons, are astonishingly
plenty. Those are most numerous in the spring and fall of the
year, when they are seen in such numbers, in flocks, that they resem-
ble the clouds in the heavens, and obstruct the rays of the sun."
"The Indians, when they find the breeding-places of the pigeons,
(at which they assemble in numberless thousands,) frequently re-
move to those places with their wives and children, to the number
of two or three hundred in a company, where they live a month or
more on the young pigeons, which they take, after pushing them
from their nests with poles and sticks."
Of water-fowls, there "were swans, geese, pelicans, ducks, teal,
widgeons, brant, coots, divers and eel-shovelers." "We find these
principally in the spring and fall of the year. At other seasons they
are not as plenty. But at those seasons, the waters, by their move-
ments, appear to be alive with water-fowls ; and the people who
reside near the water are frequently disturbed in their rest at night
by the noise of the water-fowls, particularly by the swans, which, in
their seasons, are so plenty that the bays and shores where they resort
appear as if they were dressed in white drapery,"
" There are also three kinds of wild geese. The first and best kind
are the gray geese, {Canada geese) which are larger than the Neth-
erlands geese, but not so large as the swans." "A great many of
those fowls are shot, and they are esteemed before the other kinds
for the table. I have known a gunner named Henry de Backer
Digitized by
Google
WEST INDIA COMPANY'S STORE. 21
who killed eleyen gray geese out of a large flock at one shot from
his gun. The other kinds are the black geese, and the white-heads."
Of the fish taken *'in the fresh water, were salmon, sturgeon,
striped bass, drums, shad, carp, perch, pike, trout, thick-heads, suck-
ers, sunfish, catfish, eels, lampreys, divers, mullets, or frost-fish.
Those of the sea, codfish, shellfish, weekfish, halibut, herring, mack-
erel, thornback, flounders, plaice, bream, blackfish, seal, lobster, oys-
ters, crabs, periwinkle, clams, turtle, and porpoises."
"All the waters of New Netherlands are rich with fishes. Stur-
geons are plenty in the rivers at their proper season ; but these fish
are not esteemed, and when large, are not eaten. No person takes
the trouble to salt or souse them for profit; and the roes, from which
the costly caviaer is prepared, are cast away. Salmon are plenty
in some rivers, and the striped bass are plenty in all the rivers and
bays of the sea." "The drums are a tolerably good fish. I have
heard it said, that the drums were named thirteens when the Chris-
tians first began fishing in the New Netherlands. Then, every one
was desirous to see the fishes which were caught, for the purpose of
discovering whether the same were known to them, and if they did
not know the fish, then they gave it a name. First in the fishing
season, they caught many shad, which they named Elft, (eleventh.)
Later, they caught the striped bass, which they named Tioalfi,
(twelfth.) Later still, they caught the drums, which they named
Dertieneny (thirteenth.) For those fish succeeded each other in
their seasons, and the same are still known by the names which were
thus derived."*
In addition to the above list of fish. Van der Donk adds, '* snook,
forrels, palings, brickens, dunns, roah, scoll, and shecphead. The
latter are formed like the sunfish, but much heavier, with cross
stripes, being about the weight of the largest carps. They have
teeth in the fore-part of the mouth like a sheep, but are not vora-
cious, and are an excellent fish. There is another species of fish,
called blackfish, which are held in high estimation by the Christians.
It is as brown as a seek, formed like the carp, but not so coarse in
its scales. When this kind of fish, which are plenty, is served upon
the table, it goes before all others, for every person prefers it.
"There are also porpoises, herring-hogs, potheads or sharks, tur-
tles, Ac, and whales, of which there are none caught, but if prepa-
rations were made for the purpose, then it might be easily cffboted ;
but our colonists have not advanced far enough to pursue whaling.
A lost Inrd, (whale,) however, is frequently cast and stranded, which
is cut up."
• O'Callaghan.
Digitized by
Google
22 WEST INDIA COMPANY'S STORE.
The same writer, in his description of the North River ^ says: "I
cannot refrain, although somewhat ont of place, to relate a very sin-
gular occurrence which happened in the month of March, 1647, at
the time of a great freshet, caused by the fresh water flowing down
from above, by which the water of the (North) river became nearly
fresh to the Bay, when at ordinary seasons the salt water flows up
from twenty to twenty-four miles* from the sea. At this season,
two whales, of common size, swam up the river forty miles, from
which place one of them returned and stranded about twelve miles
from the sea, near which place four others also stranded the same
year. The other ran up the river and grounded near the great Char
hoos Falls, about forty-three miles from the sea. This fish was tot
erably fat, for although the citizens of Rensselaerwyck broiled out
a great quantity of train oil, still the whole river (the current being
still rapid) was oily for three weeks, and covered with grease. As
the fish lay rotting, the air was infected with its stench to such a
degree that the smell was ofiensive and perceptible for two miles to
leeward. For what purpose those whales ascended the river so far,
it being full forty miles from all salt or brackish water, it is difiicult
to say, unless their great desire for fish, which were plenty at this
season, led them onward."
"Lobsters are plenty in many places. Some of those are very
large, being from five to six feet in length; others, again, are from a
foot to a foot and a half long, which are the best for the table.
There are also crabs, like those of the Netherlands, some of which
are altogether soft. Those, the people call weak-crabs, and they
make excellent bait for hook-fishing.
"There are also sea-cocks, (horned crabs;) sea-colts, sea-conks, and
periwinkles are very plenty, which in some seasons are cast ashore
by the sea in great numbers. From these the Indians make wampum.
" Oysters are very plenty in many places. Some of these are like
the Colchester oysters, and are fit to be eaten raw; others are very
large, w^herein pearls are frequently found; but as they are of a
brownish colour, they are not valuable. The price for oysters is usu-
ally from eight to ten stivers per hundred.
"Muscles of difi'erent kinds arc plenty; the St. Jacob's and mother-
of-pearl shells, with alis or stone crutches."
" There are also shrimps and tortoises in the waters and on the
land. Some persons prepare delicious dishes from the water terrar
pin, which is luscious food."
Of vegetables. Van der Donk says: "The garden products in the
New Netherlands are very numerous ; some of them have been known
* A Dutch mile is about three Eagliah miles.
Digitized by
Google
WEST INDIA COMPANY'S STORE. 23
to the natives from the earliest times, aiid others introduced from
different parts of the world, but chiefly from the Netherlands.
'^They consist, then, of various kinds of salads, cabbages, pars-
nips, carrots, beets, endive, succory, finckel, sorrel, dill, spinage,
radishes, parsley, chervil, (or sweet cicely,) cresses, onions, leeks,"
"together with laurel, artichokes, and asparagus."
"The herb-garden is also tolerably well supplied with rosemary,
lavender, hyssop, thyme, sage, marjoram, balm, holy onions, worm-
wood, belury, chives, and clary; also pimpumel, dragon's-blood,
five-finger, tarragon, (or dragon's-wort,) &c."
"The pumpkin grows with little or no cultivation, and is so sweet
and dry that it is used, with the addition of vinegar and water, for
stewing, in the same manner as apples; and notwithstanding that it
is here (Netherlands) generally despised as a mean, unsubstantial
article of food, it is there (here) of so good a quality that our coun-
trymen hold it in high estimation."
"The English, (in New England J who in general think much
of what gratifies the palate, use it also in pastry," (pumpkin pies,
no doubt J "and understand making a beverage from it." " The
Spanish (or mammoth pumpkin) is considered the best."
" The natives have another species of this vegetable peculiar to
themselves, called by our people quaasiens, (squashes;) a name de-
rived from the aborigines, as the plant was not known to us before
our intercourse with them. It is a delightful fruit; as well to the
eye, on account of its fine variety of colors, as to the mouth, for its
agreeable taste." " The natives make great account of this vege-
table; some of the Netherlanders, too, consider it quite good, but
others do not esteem it very highly."
" Melons, likewise, grow in the New Netherlands very luxuriantly,
witiiout requiring the land to be prepared or manured; they will
thrive, too, in newly-cleared wood-land, when it is freed from weeds ;
and in this situation the fruit, which they call Spanish pork, grows
large, and very abundant. I had the curiosity to weigh one of these
melons, and found its weight to be seventeen pounds."
"The citrull, or water-citron, (icater-melonj also grows there,
(here ;) a fruit that we have not in the Netherlands, and is only
known from its being occasionally brought from Portugal, except
to those who have traveled in warm climates." " They grow ordi-
narily to the size of a man's head. I have seen them as large as
the biggest Leyden cabbages, but in general they are somewhat ob-
long." " When they are to be eaten, the rind is cut off to about
the thickness of the finger; all the rest is good, consisting of a
spongy pulp, full of liquor, in which the seeds are imbedded ; and
Digitized by
Google
24 WEST INDIA COMPANY'S STORE.
if the fruit is sound and fully ripe, it melts as soon as it enters the
mouth, and nothing is left but the seeds/'
''Cucumbers are abundant. Calabashes, or gourds, also grow
there : they are half as long as the pumpkin, but have within very
little pulp, and are sought chiefly on account of the shell, which is
hard and durable, and is used to hold seeds, spices, &c. It is the
common water-pail of the natives, and I have seen one so large
that it would contain more than a bushel," (about three pecks.)
'' Turnips, also, are as good and fine as any sand-rapes that are
raised in the Netherlands."
** Of beans there are several kinds ; but the large Windsor bean,
which the farmers call tessejij or hot-house beans, and also the horse-
bean, will not fill out their pods." " The Turkish beans which our
people have introduced there grow wonderfully ; they fill out re-
markably well, and are much cultivated."
"Before the arrival of the Netherlanders, the Indians raised
beans of various kinds and colors, but generally too coarse to be
eaten green, or to be pickled, except the blue sort, which are abun-
dant ; they somewhat tend to flatulency, like those we raise in Hol-
land ; but in other respects they furnish an excellent food, of which
the Indians are especially fond. They have a peculiar mode of
planting them, which our people have learned to practice : when
the Turkish wheat, (Indian corn,) or, as it is called, maize, is half a
foot above the ground, they plant the beans around it, and let them
grow together. The coarse stalk serves as a bean-prop, and the
beans run upon it, and thus two crops are gathered at the same
time."
Another writer (De Vries) says of Indian corn, or maize, ** They
sow the maize in April and May," and gather it in September and
October; "and when they have shelled the corn, they bury it in
holes, which they have previously covered with mats, and so keep
as much as they want for the winter and while hunting." " When
they travel, they take a flat stone, and press it with another stone
placed upon the first ; and when it is pressed, they have little bas-
kets, which they call notassen, and which are made of a kind of
hemp, the same as fig-frails — which they make to serve them as
sieves — and thus make their meal. They make flat cakes of the meal
mixed with water, as large as a farthing cake in this country, and
bake them in the ashes, first wrapping a vine-leaf or maize-leaf
around them. When they are sufficiently baked in the ashes, they
make good, palatable bread.
"Our Netherlanders raise good wheat, rye, barley, oats, and peas,
and can brew as good beer here as in our fatherland, for good hops
Digitized by
Google
WEST INDIA COMPANY'S STORE. 25
grow in the woods ; they are in want of nothing but men to do the
work."
" Barley grows well in the country, but it is not much needed."
"Flax and hemp will grow fine, but as the women do not spin
much, and the Indians have hemp in abundance in the woods, from
which they make strong ropes and nets, for these reasons very little
flax is raised."
"Wild fruit was equally abundant," observes another writer;
"consisting of acorns, (some of which were very sweet,) chestnuts,
beech-nuts, walnuts, butternuts, hazlenuts, mulberries, cherries, cur-
rants, plums, gooseberries, medlars, bilberries, blackberries, rasp-
berries, cranberries, and strawberries; the latter in such abundance,
that people lay down in the fields and ate them to satiety. Pig-
nuts, artichokes, wild leeks and onions, wild-peas, and other wild
firuit, also abounded."
Of imported fruits, Van der Donk says: "The Netherlands setr
tiers, who are lovers of fruit, on observing that the climate was
suitable to the production of fruit-trees, have brought over and
planted various kinds of apple and pear trees, which thrive well.
Those also grow from the seeds, of which I have seen many, which,
without grafting, bore delicious fruit in the sixth year." " The
English have brought over the first quinces, and we have also
brought over stocks and seeds, which thrive well. Orchard cher-
ries thrive well, and produce large fruit. Spanish cherries, fore-
runners, morellaes, of every kind we have, as in the Netherlands;
and the trees bear better, because the blossoms are not injured by
the frosts."
" The peaches, which are sought after in the Netherlands, grow
wonderfully well here." " We have also introduced morecotoons,
(a variety of the peach,) apricots, several sorts of the best plums,
almonds, persimmons, cornelian cherries, figs, several sorts of cur-
rants, gooseberries, calissiens, and thorn-apples."
"Although the land is full of many kinds of grapes, we still want
settings of the best kinds from Germany, for the purpose of enabling
our wine-planters here to select the best kinds, and to propagate
the same." "The entire land, both forest and bottom-land," ob-
serves O'Callaghan, "was, moreover, covered with vines, climbing
up the loftiest trees, or creeping along the lowly valleys, and bear-
ing loads of grapes : some white, some blue ; some large, some small ;
some very juicy, and others not so good, yet all promising, if prop-
erly cultivated, an ample return to the vine-dresser." "In short,
every kind of fruit which grows in the Netherlands is plenty already
in the New Netherlands, which have been introduced by tiie lovers
Digitized by
Google
26 WEST INDIA COMPANY^S STORE.
of agriculture; and the fruits thrive better here, particularly such
kinds as require a warmer climate."
<' Why moarn about Brazil, full of base Portagaese?
When Van der Donck shows so far mach better fere ;
Where wheat-fills golden ears, and grapes abound in trees ;
Where frait and kine are good with little care."
Evert JVUuwenhi^,
At this early day, it will be seen, the natural advantages of this
beautiful country — ^producing so much, and still capable of grow-
ing every luxury wanted by man — were not fully appreciated, so
badly was it managed and sadly misgoverned by many of the Com-
pany's servants, more especially by Governor Kieft himself, who
afterwards confesses that he was instructed to do sol "For he
said he had express orders to exact the contributions from the In-
dians"— to prosecute the people — "when there was no offence, and to
consider a partial offence an entire one, and so forth."* These un-
popular acts, and especially his exactions and enmity towards the
Indians, the consequences of which had become very grievous to the
settlers, and more particularly to those who lived away from the
protection of the Fort, as the settlement then extended about thirty
English miles to the east, and twenty-one to the north and south
from Fort Amsterdam — to assist in reforming some of these griev-
ances, the Commonalty at large chose "twelve men" to co-operate
with the Governor and Council.
Among some of the local improvements which were introduced in
1642, these "twelve men" represented that, in consequence of the
sale in New Netherlands of cows and other stock by the English,
the cattle owned and introduced by the Dutch were held in small es-
teem, and were not so valuable as they had heretofore been."
That "it was near-sighted and destructive to the improvement of
their own stock ; and that the English should not bo permitted here-
after to sell either cows or goats within the Dutch jurisdiction, but
that this privilege should be confined to oxen and poultry."!
The Dutchmen, at this early day, began to admit the superior qual-
ities of the red catUe of New England ; at least in producing better
working oxen than their Dutch breed; but they wished to exclude
their breeding cattle. Theirs were generally good milkers, pro-
ducing good fleshy beef, and withal, this solicited exclusion of the
English stock would tend to enhance the value of their own breed-
ing stock. The Governor, however, concluded that the "English
should not be permitted to sell cows or goats for the future within
* Murphy's translations. f 0*Callagban.
Digitized by
Google
WEST INDIA COMPANY'S STORE. 27
New Netherlands/' In this act, he had acceded to the wishes of
the "twelve men," but many of their movements and acts were
looked upon by him with a jealous eye, and by a proclamation he
disbanded them, and forbade them to meet.
His enmity towards the Indians also was such, that he had made
op his mind to attack them unawares, and without notice, and ex-
pressed himself to De Tries, who was dining with him one day, vhat
*'he had a great desire, he said, to make the savages wipe their
chops.'' Sure enough, the night after, he ordered an attack to be
made upon two separate parties of Indians that had moved near the
settlers, as a sort of protection from a stronger tribe which was at
war with them. So, in the silent hour of midnight, Kieft's brave
and valiant soldiers approached the unsuspecting victims, and in
cool blood cowardly murdered above one hundred of them. This
unwise and cruel act caused all the neighboring Indians, those who
were friendly as well as other tribes, to retaliate, by murdering all
the men they could find, (leaving the women and children,) burn-
ing and desolating the farms, destroying the crops, killing the cat-
tle, hogs, Ac, and driving the settlers panic-stricken into the town.
Within two weeks after, peace was proposed, and partly efifected
with a few Indians ; yet many were not satisfied, and they again com-
menced murdering families and individuals, and some who were quite
near the Fort. The inhabitants were now almost confined to the
precincts of the fortifications, and in a dreadful situation ; so they
appealed to the Honorable Lords in Holland, and say: "Our pop-
ulation consists for the most part of women and children ; the free-
men (not counting the English) are about two hundred in numbers,
who must protect by force of arms their families, which now lie con-
cealed in straw huts around outside the forts." The cattle are partly
burnt and killed ; the remainder conveyed to the fort on the Manhat-
tes, where, for want of forage, they must starve through the coming
winter, if not immediately slaughtered."*
Still further to add to their miserable condition, internal troubles
broke out among themselves. " Complaints were daily made of
stealing and killing of hogs, goats, as well as of the irregularities
which increased so fast that it 'threatened to end in plunder and
robbing/ and it was found that people would at last murder one
another in consequence of the impunity of the delinquents."
The situation of the country at that time was certainly a yery dis-
couraging one ; with a jealous, sordid, and an unpopular Governor,
and the people almost rent asunder, distressed by their losses of
friends and protectors, of property, and many of them almost in
^ O'CaUagfaan.
Digitized by
Google
28 WEST INDIA COMPANY'S STORE.
despair. However, assistance came; their complaints and appeals
had been heard; the Dutch West India Company, in 1647, recalled
Governor Kieft, and sent a man much more fitted for the position
than either who had preceded him.
Peter Stuyvesant, the last of the Dutch Governors in this city,
arrived in the month of May, 1647, when he assumed the reins of
government. His character appears somewhat pompous and arbi-
trary, yet he had the vigilance, firmness, and force which were neces-
sary to raise the country up from the disorder and confusion in
which he found it. He made friends of the Indians, and introduced
a successful trade with them, as well for the resident traders as the
" West India Company."
Numerous proclamations and ordinances of a stringent character
soon appeared, which were posted in the " public market-places."*
In the following month of July, an ordinance, in relation to the tres-
passing of cattle, was enacted, declaring that all the inhabitants of
the New Netherlands are hereby charged and commanded to set off •
and put into good fence all their plantations, so that the cattle
therein may be kept from committing trespass ; which cattle,
whether they be horses, kine, and in a special manner goats and
hogs, must be taken care of, or otherwise disposed of, that they
cannot commit any trespass ; to this end the Fiscal Van Dyck should
build a pounds in which cattle shall be detained until the damages
shall have been made good, and the fees of officers shall have been
paid : let every one take warning, and look out for costs."
In the early part of the following year, (1648,) a law was intro-
duced to confirm the privileges of trade in New Amsterdam to per-
manent residents ; for it was ordered that henceforward no person
should keep a shop, or carry on any retail business, except such as
" have already taken the oath of allegiance," were rated, at least, at
from two to three thousand guilders, and had entered into an en-
gagement to remain in the country four successive years, " and to
keep fire and light" at their own expense. This regulation was
not, however, to extend to "old residents," who were to be allowed
the privileges of trade, though not rated as above, provided they
bound themselves to remain in the province the required time ; not
to quit the same without permission from the Director and Council,
nor to use any weights or measures except those of "Old Amster-
dam, to which we owe our name ;" and for the further encourage-
ment of trade, " each Monday in the week was declared to be a
market-day*'—'' as well for strangers as residents." The " strangers,"
no doubt, were the Indians and country people who had, prior to
• City Records.
Digitized by
Google
WEST INDIA COMPANY'S STORE. 29
the establishment of this ** market-day/' brought with them, in their
skiffs and canoes, their productions, from the chase, of the land and
of the water; some of which, such as peltries, corn, 4c., were taken
to the " Company's Store," either for the purpose of trade or sale,
and the balance sold to the residents who were in the habit of find-
ing them at the '* store," or landing-place ; but at no stated time or
particular day: therefore it appeared necessary to appoint a par-
ticular day — "Monday of each week a market-day," when they
would be sure to find each other, near 'this depot of trade or market,
which, no doubt, gave the space between the "Company's Store"
and the "Fort " the name of "Market-field."*
About this period an "Annual Pair," or "kermis," was also
established, for the sale of home productions, (those appointed pre-
vious were for cattle and hogs,) to commence on the first Monday
after the "feast of St. Bartholomew," (24th of August,) and continue
for ten days ; at which all persons were privileged to sell their goods
from their tents.t
Many of their productions were sold for cash, or such currency
as was then recognized as such ; a great deal of which was Indian
money, called " tvampumy' or seatcant, (or zeawant,) " Judf-beavers,
and beaver^^ skins. The common value of "wampum or seawant,"
when strung on a string, passed "six white," or "three black sea-
want," for one stiver ; the value of " beaver" was " eight guilders,"
or about three dollars; divided in "half-beavers," the value was
much less in proportion. The early English settlers, however, used
their £ 8. d. currency when an opportunity offered. This Indian
currency, seawant^ afterwards became much depreciated in value, by
the unskillful tinkering at the currency; it being loose, not perforated,
and badly finished. The authorities notice it at a meeting held
May 30, 1650, and they " have observed, both now and for a long
time, ' loose seawant ;' many are not perforated, and half finished,
and also made out of stone, bone, glass, muscle-shells, horns, and
even out of wood, and broken ones, whereby occasion is given for
repeated complaints from the inhabitants, that they cannot go with
such seatvant to the market; nor yet procure any commodity, not
even a mean white loaf of bread, or a can of beer at the merchant's,
the baker's, or the tapster's, for the loose seawant" The authorities
resolve, " from this time forth, no hose, unperforated, or clumsy sea-
want shall be current, nor be a lawful tender, except that the same
shall be strung on one string, as the general custom has been here-
tofore. They ordained that the common seawant shall be as
formerly ; that is, six white, or three black seawant, for one stuy ver ;
• O'CftUftgfaAQ and City Recorda. f O'Callaghan.
Digitized by
Google
30 WEST INDIA COMPANY'S STORE.
and the base strung seawant shall pass eight white, or four black, for
one stuyver."*
Part of these instructions were unheeded: "the base strung sea-
want being still refused and rejected for trifling articles by shop-
keepers, brewers, bakers, tapsters, mechanics, and day-laborers, to
the great confusion and discommoding of the inhabitants in general ;
there being at present no other specie with which the inhabitants
can accommodate one another." The authorities, on the 14th Sep-
tember following, " do ordain and decree, that the base strung sea-
want shall be current — in payment for small and daily necessary
commodities in housekeeping" — and " that the sum of twelve guild-
ers and under shall be paid aU in base strung seawant; from twelve
to twenty-four guilders, half-and-half; that is to say, half base and
half good strung seawant ; from twenty-five guilders to fifty guilders,
one-third base strung^ and two-thirds good strung seawant; and in
large sums agreeably to the agreement between the buyer and
seller."t In case of refusal, certain heavy penalties were ordered to
be inflicted. We find, a few years after, one of the Government
officers refused to receive this currency from Solomon La Schecn's
(La Chair) wife, who appeared in court on the 17th January, 1656,
"with a certain box of white stringed ^zeairan,^ to the amount of
ff. 84.B, complaining that Warner Wessells, the Farmer of the Excise,
refused the same, and will not give any license ; and whereas she is
obstructed in her business, requests the W. Court to decide if the
same be good zeawan or not, and to order him accordingly to re-
ceive the same, and not impede her. The W. Court decides that
the zeawan exhibited by the petitioner is good merchantable zea-
wan, and hath heretofore sealed the same in Court."t
At this period the prices of several of the domestic animals are
noticed, and " were to be had at a reasonable price, except sheep^
which the English (in New England) do not sell, and are rare in
New Netherlands."§
"A milch cow, with her 2d or 3d calf, ff. 130.
A year old sow, . . . . 20 to 24.
A sheep, being a ewe, . . . 20 to 24."
"Maize (Indian corn) can be always had in season from the In-
dians;" "the schepel cost ordinarily 10 to 15 stivers, when bought
from them."
Although the above valuation of animals appears to have been
made for breeding stock, yet this valuation, in our day, usual-
ly, would not vary much if the same were fit for consumption. In
1640 the price of "fresh meat" was five stivers (10 cents) per pound ;
• City Records. f Ibid. % Ibid. § Col. His., vol. 1., p. 869.
Digitized by
Google
WEST INDIA COMPANY'S STORE. 31
this period, (1650,) according to the above, it could be afforded
at about the same price. Seven yeara afterwards (1657) we find it
about the same, by the following extract from a letter of Vice-Director
Aldrich, dated April 13th, 1657,* who says : "I understand that pork,
beef, peas, etc., are to be had cheaper here than they can be sent
from Holland^ to wit: beef and pork at 4 and 5 stivers the pound;
peas, 3 and 3^ guilders the schepel, payable in merchandise, such as
duffels, linen, etc., at the aforesaid prices. These, however, were
the prices in trading for merchandise, or other than the Indian cur-
rency, which had become much depreciated; instead oifour Hack
smwant passing for one ativer, as in 1650, it had been lowered, first
to six ; tiien, in 1659, the white wampum (or seawant) was reduced
from 12 to 16, and the Uack from 6 to 8 for a stiver. The only
effect of this was to oblige the holder to give more wampum for any
article he might require from the trader, who in return allowed the
natives a larger quantity for his beavers, (skins J ' so that little or
no benefit accrued.' Prices nominally advanced: beavers, which
sold for 12 to 14 guilders, (seawant,) rose to 22 and 24 guilders;
bread from 14 to 22 stivers the 8 lbs. loaf; beef, 9 to 10 stivers per
lb.; pork, 15 to 20 stivers; butter, 30 stivers; common shoes from
3^ to 12 guilders the pair; coarse stockings from 36 stivers to 4 or
5 guilders the pair; and wrought iron 18 to 20 stivers the lb.
Beaver and specie were all this while of equal value, and the differ-
ence between these and wampum was 50 per cent. Finally, the
price of beavers fell, in 1663, from 8 guilders (specie) to 4^ guild-
ers; white w^ampum from 16 to 8, black from 8 to 4 for a stiver;
and this was the state of the currency when the English came into
possession of the province."t
Let us now return to the period of about 1650, when the increas-
ing numbers of inhabitanti had caused trade to rapidly advance, and
many who were anxious to make a good or quick bargain on the
*'marke^day," were on the lookout, watching and waiting at the
beach or strand at the East River side, for the market-boats and
canoes, which were sometimes belated in consequence of the tides,
storms, ice, or other causes ; and when landed, the inhabitants were
as ready to purchase there at the strand as the farmers and Indians
were to dispose of their produce, to save them the trouble of carry-
ing it up to the *' market-field." This strand, which had been the reg-
ular landing-place for small craft many years previous, extended
along up the shore from about the present Whitehall Street, along
the line of the present Pearl, to the foot of Broad Street, then called
tbo (Grafht) common ditch or creek. This ** creek," at that early
* Hoi. Doc , vol II, p. 6. t O'Calltghao.
Digitized by
Google
32 WEST INDIA COMPANY^S STORE.
period, did not appear to be in a proper condition for the accommo*
dation of the market and other boats; but it is supposed to have
been in a state of nature; the shores on each side muddy and full of
weeds, and in winter obstructed with ice, so that it appearednot to
have been used much until about the year 1660, although they were
at work filling it up on the sides, in 1657 and '58, as will appear
from the City Records^ February 21, of the latter year, when " the
three laborers of the Graft (canal) being summoned to court, ap-
pearing, are asked bow it happens that they do not come any more
to work; answer — the weather is unfavorable; whereupon, they
were told that complaints were made that there has nothing filled
up — and therefore ordered to proceed to do so, and that they should
not stop." Then, on the 7th of March, 1659, " Resolvert Waldron
is ordered to appear in Court, to receive a commission to superin-
tend the Grafht, according to the placard dated 3d December, 1657,
published in front of the City Hall, and renewed on the 4th of
March, 1659. He was ordered to take good care, and superintend
on the newly-constructed * Graft,' that no filth be cast into it; also,
that the boats, canoes, and skiffs be placed in regular order therein."
We now pass over a period of almost twenty years, when we find
it not yet dyked, nor the street {Broad) leveled or paved, which is
shown from the proceedings, as follows: "Ordered, that all and
every p(er)son & p(er)son3 being inhabitants and living within the
streete called Here Graft, shall forth with & without delay fill up
the Graft Ditch or Common shoare, & make the same level, with
the streete, and then so pave & pitch the same before their doores
with stones, soe far as every inhabitant's house shall be fronting to-
wards the Graft or Ditch, upon pain of every person soe neglecting
shall have such fines inflicted upon them as the Courte sliall thinke
fitt. — Dated this 9th day of May, 1676, then proclaymed."
Although the houses were ordered to be built fronting the " Graft
Ditch," at that time, yet the line of the Here Graft {Broad) Street
was not laid out until about twelve years after ; this is shown in the
appointment of two carpenters, as surveyors, to lay out some lots
along the shore of the East River, from about the present Moore
Street, along the east line of Pearl Street, up to Coenties Slip. The
proceedings May 4, 1688, show the appointment of "Peter King &
Adolph Pieterson, surveyors for y* Citty of New York," were re-
quired to "survey y* vacant land within this Citty, near and in y^
Dock, beginning ffrom y* Weigh-house to y* Citty Hall, and to lay y*
same out in lotts of eighty foot long, into the Dock, and about Four
and Twenty ffoot broad, leaving sufficient spaces ffor y* street; as
also to lay out y* street, ranging with y* Here Graft, as you shall
Digitized by
Google
WBST INDIA COMPANY^S STORE. 33
receive farther directions," — "and that they lay out a convenient
inlett in y* middle of y* said street fiFor y* Water to flBow in at, and
y* channell of y* Here Graft to run into it." Again, on the 14tk of
June following, it was "Ordered, that the Carpenters, Mr. Adolph
Pieterson and Peter King, forthwith sett up the fframes of the inlett
into the Here Graft of sixteen ffoot wide, leaving on each side twen-
ty^ght ffoot for the (Broad) Street."
In consequence of the war between the Fatherland and England,
the citizens began to fear that the feeling had extended to the
Englbh Colonies; and if a sadden attack should be made on the
cit}% it would be found defenceless.
Orders were therefore given, on the 13th of March, 1653, to re-
pair the "Fort;" that the whole body of citizens should mount
guard every night; and to "inclose the greater part of the city
with upright palisades and small breastworks, so that, in case of
necessity, all the inhabitants may retire within the inclosure."
This wall of palisades was made of hard wood, of twelve to thir-
teen feet in height by eighteen inches in circumference, and sharp-
ened at the tops; they extended from the East to the North River,
along the northerly side of the street, which took and yet retains
its name from this tcaU, or barrier, of palisades. There were but
two entrances on the land side, by which the city could be entered :
one on the present Broadway, and the other on Pearl Street.
After the "wall" was finished, the "Nigh^Watch" became care-
less, and neglected to mount guard every night, as directed : so,
on the 24th of November following, Governor Stuyvesant sum-
moned the Captains of the Burgery, (citizens J Arent Van Hatten
and Martin Krigier, before him, and told them he "was highly dis-
pleased that the Burgers should have intermitted their night-watch
without his knowledge; whereupon they answered, that this hap-
pened through the want of /rc-Mworf/" to which "Stuyvesant"
said, " that they set to and procure some." Van Hatten pleaded
the resolution previously made, "refused to do so, and requested his
High Mightiness that tiiey should go, according to request, to the
Burgomasters and Schepens."
An attempt was made, in the month of November, next year, to
"ordain and establish a * Battle Watch* of four to six men, to
guard this city by night; wherefore all persons, who desire to un-
dertake the same, are warned to repair to the aforesaid place,
(City HaUJ to hear the conditions, and to act according to circum-
stances." The Court met at the appointed place and hour, and
after stating the " conditions," there was not one offered himself to
undertake this important trust; so the idea of forming a "Rattle
Vol. I.— 3
Digitized by
Google
34 WEST INDIA COMPANY^S STOKE.
Watch" at that period was given np, although they sacceeded a
few years afterwards to organize one. The Burgomasters, on
the 4th of March, 1658, say they " have above eight persons for 24
stivers every night they watch, it being well understood four and
four shall watch each night ; and they are promised one or two
beavers for candles, and two to three hundred pieces of fire-wood."
On the 12th inst. following, Lodowyck Pos was appointed Cap-
tain of the " Battle Watch," when Articles or Rules were estab-
lished.
The trading at the " Strand," already referred to, no doubt in-
creased from year to year, as the agriculturist advanced; and the
Town of Manhattan, in February, 1653, formally became a city* —
the City of New Amsterdam.
Although there were large crops raised, yet they were not such
as furnished food for the increased immigration. The growing
of tobacco was found more profitable than the growing of grain,
and the agriculturist excessively cultivated it. " For the last two
years, a scarcity of food now became imminent." " To prevent this,
the export of breadstuffs was prohibited; tobacco-planters were
ordered to set as many hills of com as they did of tobacco, and the
consumption of grain by brewers and distillers was strictly for-
bidden."t
About two years after this scarcity of food, the inhabitants were
again visited with another more terrible infliction. ''Sixty-four
canoes landed at the city, with nearly two thousand Indians, who
broke into several of the houses, on pretence of looking for oUier
Indians. The magistrates, however, succeeded in prevailing upon
them to quit the place by sundown, and to retire to ' Nut (Govern-
or's) Island.' " In the evening they again appeared, and attacked
some of the citizens; but they, in return, had prepared for them,
and after killing several, drove them out of the city. The Indians
then proceeded to lay the country around in waste. In three days,
one hundred of the Dutch were killed, one hundred and fifty taken
prisoners, twenty-eight ''boweries" and a number of plantations
were burned, twelve or fifteen thousand schepels of grain destroyed,
from five to six hundred head of cattle killed or driven off, and the
farmers driven into the city for refuge.
Governor Stuyvesant being an old soldier, and withal a diploma-
tist, brought his threatening or persuasive powers into action on
the Indians, and, with some presents, soon restored peace. Many
of these Indians were ofttimes found treacherous, and were not
generally liked by many of the settlers, who would occasionally
* Brodhead. f O'Callaghao.
Digitized by
Google
MARKET-PLACE AT THE STRAND. 35
bring charges against them, which very often were proved false ;
and this had no doubt a tendency to establish the following regula-
tion in "the month of January, 1656."* "Various complaints
were made, * that under the notion and name of Indians, horned
cattle, hogs, and other animals on the plains have been seized,
slaughtered, and offered for sale by Christians, or at least by those
who go under the name of Christians. To prevent, from this
time forth, neither in this city, nor on the plains belonging to this
province, shall any cattle, hogs, goats, or sheep be permitted to bo
slaughtered, not even by the owner himself, unless the owner first,
on the same days he intends to slaughter, shall have given in such
creature as his own, to the magistrate of the respective place to
which he belongs, and from him have obtained a slaughter certifi-
cate* " — ^for which he had to pay a fee, according to the size and
value of the animal.
The city and citizens no doubt severely felt these drawbacks, but,
under Governor Stuyvesant's vigorous administration, both kept on
increasing. "A survey of the city at this period showed there
were * one hundred and twenty houses,' with extensive lots, and
• one thousand souls.' "t The houses were more substantially built,
the streets were better regulated, and a more rigid system was in-
troduced into all the local affairs of Government.
"MARKET-PLACE AT THE STRAND."
1656. The increasing number of the inhabitants in the year 1656
no doubt wished better regulations, especially in the one specified as
their "market-day." Monday was objectionable, because the butch-
ers had to slaughter their animals, and the farmers to gather their
productions on the Sabbath-day; and as no particular public market-
place had yet been appointed by the authorities here, although, as
has been before noticed, the inhabitants, in the course of trade, had
first made the open ground before the "Company's Store" and the
fort a "market-field;" then, likely, the scarcity of food in 1653 and
'54 had caused the citizens, in their pressing wants, to meet the mar-
ket-boats and canoes as they ran upon the shore or strand, which
extended fipom "Whitehall" along Dock (vow Pearl) Street, up to
the "Graft" f Canal) at the foot of Broad Street."
The continuation and increase of business at that place, and the
* City Records. | Brodhead.
Digitized by
Google
36 MARKET-PLACE AT THE STRAND.
fact of Governor Stuyvesant having been a strictly religious char-
acter— not only not countenancing, but positively forbidding labor
on the Sabbath-day — had afforded good reasons, with the assistance
of his counselors, to change the "market-day," and on the 12th day
of September, 1656, formally, to appoint a public locality in the fol-
lowing language : ^*Ghreeting: Whereas, now and then the people
from without are in the habit of bringing into the city different com-
modities, such as veal, pork, butter, cheese, turnips, roots, straw, and
other products of the land, for the purpose of selling them ; and it
frequently happens, particularly here at the * Strand,' that they are
obliged to tarry long, and to lodge to their great damage, for the rea-
son, because the community, or at least the greater part, especially of
those who live away from the * Strand,' are not aware that such
commodities have been brought for sale, not alone to the discom-
moding of the *Burgerers,' but also to the notorious injury of the
enterprising man from without, who frequently has to lose more
in his time than the profit on his commodities will warrant;
therefore, for the purpose of making provision in the prem-
ises, the * Director-General and the Councillors' aforesaid, by these
presents, do ordain, that from this time forth, here in this city. Sat*
urday shall be the market-day, and market shall be held at the
atrandt at or around the house of Mr. Hans Kierstede, where, after
him, every one shall be permitted to enter that has anything to buy
or sell."* This location was between Moore and Whitehall Streets,
on the east side of Pearl Street.
Here, then, the public wants and accommodations of both produ-
cer and consumer appear to have been consulted by the public authori-
ties in establishing the Jlrst public marArc^place in our city, without
a direct gain to the public coffers, although one part of the public
revenue was received in the form of "excise" on all the slaughtered
cattle, which all had to pay alike, whether for sale at the " Compa-
ny's Store" or for family purposes. "They who slaughter oxen,
cows, calves, hogs, or goats, for consumption, shall be taxed for each
guilder (40 cents) of their value, one stuyver, (2 cents;) and those
who do not produce their animals for valuation previous to slaugh-
tering, shall forfeit the same, for the benefit of the ofiBcer, the town,
and the informer."t
This "Excise "J was first /armed or leased, for one year, to Sol-
omon La Chair, Burgher, for the sum of seven hundred and ten Ca-
role guilders, (about $284.) He appeared in Court on the 6th of
November, 1656, and requested that "sworn butchers" may be or-
^ City Records. t City Records aod Doc. Hist of N. T., toL I, p. 646.
X City Records.
Digitized by
Google
MARKET-PLACE AT THE STRAND. 37
dered and confirmed. The Burgomasters and Schepens appointed
" William Claseii^ Gerit Jansen Boos, and Jan Van Haerlan" "who
Bhall each be bound to serve in butchering and cutting up, and, to
provide, have, and possess their own ropes, hand-barrows, troughs,
and other articles requisite for slaughtering, and receive for butcher-
ing and cutting as follows:
"For every ox or cow, ... - 4 guilders, or $1.60 cefUs.
" every pi? under 80 lbs. wt., 20 stivers, " .40 "
** over that (weight,) - - - 80 stivers, " .60 "
" a calf, 1 guilder, " .40 "
" a sheep or goat, - - - - 12 stivers, " .24 cents"
Some of the inhabitants, in giving in the valuation of an animal
to La Chair, were apt to place their worth at too low a figure, as
he petitions to the Court "to be allowed to value them himself, and
to bind himself to take the animals at such valuation, if the owner
is satisfied." This the Court grants him. About the same time, a
complaint is made against William Harck, for slaughtering cattle
without paying excise. He states, in answer, "that he killed
four cattle for Mr. Thos. Willet, o'er at the Ferry, (Brooklyn,)
and he is ignorant if he must pay excise for them.'' The Court de-
cides he must pay "either himself, or by Mr. Willet.' "
The next year, (1657,) this "Excise," as a ''Slaughter Farmer,"
was leased to Gerrit Hendricks, who received the same rate of fees
on "all steers, cows, calves, sheep, lambs, hogs, bucks, or goats;"
and also, "that for all salted meats or pork coming from without
into this city, whether in barrels or casks, to be consumed, shall be
paid to the farmer aforesaid one stuy ver in each guilder of the
yalue of the same."
"That all fresh or salted meat coming into this place and not to
be consumed here, but for exportation, the person who brings the
same in shall be obligated to procure from thQ farmer a certificate
of deliyery, containing an account of the just quantity or weight
of the meat; and moreover, to procure from the said /armer a cer-
tificate of inspection, and shall also pay therefor three stuyvcrs."
Hendricks, no doubt, was the first " inspector of salted meats" here.
In the month of July, the year following, (1658,) **the Heer Pres-
ident" states, "that the Burgomasters have resolved that the Board
should fix certain hours of the day when the working people should
go to their work and come from their work, as well also their re-
cess for meals."
Near this "market-place at the strand," in the "market-field," a
cattle-market, or the first "Bull's Head," was established on the 13th
of December following, and the Secretary was ordered to draw up a
Digitized by
Google
38 MABKBT-PLACB AT THE STRAND.
"placard," holding a cattle-market for about forty days in the fall of
the year, "for the sale oifat and lean cattle." This placard says:
"The Schout, Burgomasters, and Schepens make known that they
establish, for the accommodation of the public, a market for store and
fat catUe, steers, cows, sheep, goats, hogs, bucks, and such like, and to
that end, they mean to erect stalls and other conyeniences for those
who bring such animals to market. This market will be opened the
20th day of October, and close the last day of Norember, precise-
ly, in each year; during such time it shall remain a free cattle-
market, and no stranger shall, during that time, be liable to arrest
or citation, but shall be permitted to attend to his business without
molestation or hinderance." It also orders the Burghers not to meet
any one for the purpose of buying cattle, except only at the place ap-
pointed; that "posts shall be erected by the side of the Church,
(along the toest side of the 'market-Jidd/ against the fort J where those
who bring fat cattle to market for sale shall present them."
At another meeting held March 7, 1659, "it was thought good,"
(as aU the proceedings at that time were kept in Dutch J " that the
proclamation concerning the cattle-market be translated into English,
and sent to the magistrates of the following places: Stamford, Paii^
field, Southampton, Southhold, Stratford, Milford, and East Hamp-
ton, and to be accompanied with the following letter:
"Worthy Lords — The object of this is to make known to you our
resolution to erect and establish within this city a market for fat
and lean cattle, and to request of you to make known the same to
your people ; and that every one has leave to come to said market
with his cattle who may be inclined to extend his voyage hither-
ward." "We remain, 4c."
The English and Dutch traders were sometimes sorely troubled
in their trading transactions, on account of their difierent languages,
and there were but few who could translate well enough to allow
them to drive a satisfactory bargain. Three years previous to
this " proclamation," Jan. Peeck had been occasionally employed,
and found very useful, so the Court, on the 25th February, (1656,)
appointed him as a translator, or " broker," between the Dutch and
English merchants, who paid him a per centage on the amount of
their trade or sale.
These Cattle Pairs first introduced the New England (English)
breed of cattle into our city, which were soon after preferred by
many to the Dutch breed. The New Englanders appeared to un-
derstand their breeding, rearing, and feeding much better than the
Dutch settlers, and their fine animals were more eagerly sought after,
which soon caused a regular trade to be opened at all seasons of the
year.
Digitized by
Google
MARKET-PLACE AT THE STRAND. 39
In 1667 the trade from New England had become so flourishing
as to demand the establishment of a ferry across the Harlaem River,
which, as the Records show, on the 9th of July, was in the posses-
sion of Johannes Yerveshe, of Barlaem, to whom the authorities
*' have soiled the fferry as foUoweth : Itt is agreed hee shall have the
fferry for ffive years, provided hee keepe a convenient house and
lodging, for passengers att Harlam, and he shall have a small pecce
of land on Bronckside, about an acre, and a place to build a house
on, which he must cleare, and not spoyle the meadow, which shall
bee layed out by the Town, which must bee a morgan of land, and
att the end of ffive years itt is to be farmed out, and dureing the
five yeares hee shall pay nothing for itt ; and in case itt shall be lett
to another, the house shall be vallued as itt stands, and he must be
payed for itt, provided hee may have the preffernence of the hyring
of itt att the tyme expired.
'* Heere foUoweth what he shall aske ffor every man passenger, or
horse or cattle.
" Ffor every passenger, two-pence silver, or sixpence wampum.
" Ffor every ox or cow that shall bee brought into his fferry-boat,
eight-pence, or twenty-foure stivers ; and cattle under a year ould,
sixpence, or eighteen stivers wampum. All cattle that are swome
(stcimsj over, pay but half price. Hee is to take for dyett every
man for his meale, eight-pence, or twenty-foure stivers wampum.
Every man for his lodging, two-pence a man, or six stivers in wam-
pum. Every man for his horse shall pay foure-pcnce for his night's
hay or grass, or twelve stivers wampum, provided the grass be in
fence.
"All men going or coming with a packett from our Governor of
New Yorke, or coming from the Governor of Connectcott, shall be
fferried free.
"Also, in regard the said Yerveshe must be att the charge of
building a house on each side of the fferry, the Governor hath freed
him from paying any excise for what wine or beare hee shall retayle
in his house for one yeare after the date hereof."
In the year 1668, Yerveshe (or Verveden, as he is now knotvnj
" and the remaining inhabitants of New Harlaem," complains of cer-
tain travelers using a place to cross near Spitenduyvdy and have
broken down fences with their cattle and horses. The Court and
Governor order, " that among others, also, one John Barcker has
passed with a great number of cattle and horses over the Spyten-
duyvel." They order, " that said Barcker shall pay the ferry-money
of all horses and caltle conveyed by him over the Spytenduyvel,
whilst the ferry has been at Harlaem, which ferry-money the peti-
Digitized by
Google
40 MARKET-PLACE AT THE STRAND.
tioner shall employ for the repairs of the fences on Spytendujrvel
aforesaid ; and the ferryman is in like manner well and expressly
ordered and charged to finish the house and korael, (peUfJ according
to his agreement, at the earliest opportunity."
On the shore or " strand" near this market-place, the sale of fish,
oysters, &c., it may reasonably be supposed, took place from the
boats, skiffs, and canoes, or they had about this time been removed
to the " canal," which was reported at a meeting held 7th March,
1660, that, " Good care and superintendence on the newly construct-
ed graft, (canal J that no filth be cast into it; also that the boats,
canoes, and skiffs be placed in regular order therein." A complaint
was made in the month of September, against Wessels Everzen, for
"having sold fish on last Sunday forenoon." Everzen's wife ap-
pearing, says, " that it happened before, the ringing of the bell."
Another fisherman, by the name of Albert Trumpeter, was also com-
plained of for the same thing ; his wife also said, " it occurred be-
fore the ringing of the bell."
The Court, after some consideration, dismissed them, by saying
that it " took place before the preaching."
Forestalling also appeared to have been quite extensively prao*
ticed, through a trade with the Indians, who visited the city with
their various articles for that purpose. The Burgomasters and
Schepens had repeatedly warned those who engaged in it, but it ap-
pears it had not produced the desired effect ; so, at a meeting on the
11th of October, 1661, the authorities say, "they had spoken about
the forestalling of what the Indians bring to sell, such as venison,
maize, and fish ;" whereupon it was declared, " that no Indian shall
bring any articles to any place, except such as shall be ordered and
appointed therefor."
Then, on the 26th of June, 1663, " Otte Gerrits complains of Joris
Dopzen and Roelef Jansen Van Mepplen, for having * brought in
two quarters of veal without a permit.' Gerrits demands the veal,
and a double fine." Both of the defendants admit " it to be so,"
and, it is reasonable to suppose, were fined accordingly.
Another curious case is noticed on the 13th of November, in the
same year, when a woman named Aa^ht Joes sues Cornelius Jansen
Van Horn. She states her case before the Court, and says, " Her
boy shot a bear, which he tried to put into his boat, and that the
defendant came by there, who said that he had chased the bear, and
that the half belonged to him ; forcing him to toss up for who
should have the skin, which her boy lost: maintaining that the de-
fendant has no right to the skin, but her hoy, because he had
shot it."
Digitized by
Google
MARKET-PLACE AT THC STRAND. 41
Defendant says, "He chased the bear, and that he was on one end
of the Island, and the boy shot the bear on the other end: admits
he told the boy to toss up for the skin, and that he had eaten half of
the meat." Burgomaster and Schepens having heard the parties,
decree that "the bear belongs to the boy, as he shot him; but since
half of the meat has been consumed by the defendant, and the
plaintiff is content with the skin, that defendant shall deliver up to
her (3Irs. Joes) the skin of the aforesaid bear."
These trial scenes certainly appear very curious and laughable to
the present generation ; while there is no doubt the scenes of the
present day will be looked upon by future generations with the
same feelings. These "Old Netherlanders," who laid the founda-
tion of our great city, brought many of their "old fatherland"
habits, customs, and laws; but the currency, or principal part of it,
as noticed before, had been already established by the Indians, and
to deal or trade with them, it was necessary for the Burghers to
adopt it ; although a great deal of trad^g was done, principally
among the settlers themselves, by barter.
One of the earliest cases of trading and worthy of notice
appears from the Translations of Van der Kemp, dated 10th of
October, 1638 : " Cornelius Petersen appeared before the Secretary
Van Tienhoven, and declared with true Christian affirmation, in
lieu of a solemn oath, that it was true that he had purchased a hog
from Ann Jackson, in payment of which, she took from his store
so much of purpled cloath as was sufficient for a petticoat."
There appears no evidence given as to the size of the hog or the
garment; we may therefore rationally conclude that, if the
garmeivt was as expansive or expensive as those worn two hun-
dred and tv>eiity years after I why, the hog ought to have been of an
enormous size 1
The trading price of pork and beef at this period (1664) is shown
in the following extract from the " Register of the Resolutions,"*
dated May 31, 1664: "Agreed with Captain Tomas WiKet that he
will procure for us, on account of the Honorable Company, if he
can, a quantity of pork and beef equal to 600 lbs., the beef at 4,
and the pork at 5 stivers the pound, payable in negroes, at such
price as may be agreed on ; in case of not agreeing, in beaver or
goods — ^beaver price."
In the city the prices usually ranged higher, especially at retail,
and they also were r^ulated by the currency paid for them: if the
pay was in ''good Iiard money, ^' it was at a less price than "pay as
money f^' or '' trust J^ ''Pay as rnoney^^ meant, pay in provisions of
* Hoi. Doc., vol. ii., p. 47i.
Digitized by
Google
42 MARKET-PLACE AT THE STRAND.
any kind, at one-third less than GoYernment valuation ; and ^HtnsV^
was still worse» as one-fourth or one-fifth more was charged than
the article could have been bought for with "jfoorf hard money"
" Goyernment valuation/' after the change of government from
Dutch to English, appears to have been the standard price for all
kinds of stock or produce, which was fixed by the *' Governor and
Court of Assize;" and all such, at this fixed rate, paid debts, taxes,
rates, &c., especially out of the city, where there was but little
business done except by trading or paying in this manner.
We find the Assessors were ordered by law, in 1665,* to value
stock at the following prices :
"A horse or mare, 4 years old and upwards, - - £12 0 0
An ox or bull, " " " - 6 0 0
A cow, " " " - - 6 0 0
A steer or heifer, between three and four years old, 4 0 0
A goat, one year old, 0 8 0
A sheep, " " i 0 6 8
A swine, " " 10 0"
" The prices of many articles of food varied but little from 1665 to
1687, and were also received for taxes, and contracted for in trade,
at the following prices :
" Pork, j£3, 10«., Orf . per barrel, or 8rf. per lb.
Beef, 1, 10«., Orf. " 2d. "
Wheat, 0, 4«., Orf. per bushel, to 5«.
Rye, 0, a?., 6d. " 3«., 6rf.
Indian corn, 2»., 6c?. do. Oats, 2«. do. Butter, 6rf. per lb.
Tallow and hog's fat, 6d. do. Dry hides, 4d. per lb.
Green hides, 2rf. do. Board, 5«. per week.
Victuals, 6c?. per meal. Lodging, 2d. per night.
Labor, 2^., 6c?. per day. Beer, 2d. per mug."
"The practice of paying in produce continued until about the
year 1700, when trade had rendered money plenty, and introduced
it into general circulation."
In the year 1670, some interesting particulars of the city, its in-
habitants, and of the country around, have been given by Denton,
who says, " New York is built most of brick and stone, and cover-
ed with red and black tile ; and the land being high, it gives at a
distance a pleasing aspect to the spectator."
" The inhabitants consist most of English and Dutch, and have
a considerable trade with the Indians, for beavers, otter, racoon
skins, with other furs; and also for bear, deer, and elk skins; and
* Wood, L. L, p. 16 and 17.
Digitized by
Google
MARKET-PLACE AT THE STRAND. 43
are supplied with venison and fowl in the winter, and fish in the
summer, by the Indians, which they buy at an easie rate."
He says of the country around, and more especially of Long
Island, that '' it is inhabited from one end to the* other — ^is plenti-
fully stored with all sorts of English cattel, horses, hogs, sheep,
goats, &c. ; no place in the North of America better."
'' To give some satisfaction to people that shall be desirous to
transport themselves thither — {this country.) The best commodi-
ties for any to carry with them is clothing. They sowe store of
flax, which they make every one cloth of for their own wearing, as
also woollen cloth, and linsey-woolsey, and, had they more tradeeh
men amongst them, they would in a little time live without the help
of any other countrey for their clothing."
" Here you need not trouble the shambles for meat, nor bakers
and brewers for beer and bread, nor run to a linnen-draper for a
supply, every one making their own linnen, and a great part of their
woollen cloth, for their ordinary wearing."
** Were it not to avoid prolixity, I would say a great deal more,
and yet say too little, how free are those parts of the world from
that pride and oppression, with their miserable efiects, which many,
nay almost all parts of the world, are troubled, with being ignorant
of that pomp and knavery which aspiring humours are servants to,
and striving after almost everywhere ; where a waggon or cart gives
as good content as a coach, and a piece of home-made cloth, better
than the finest lawns or richest silks ; and though their low-roofed
houses may seem to shut their doors against pride and luxury, yet
how do they stand wide open to let charity in and out, either to as-
sist each other, or relieve a stranger."*
In the year 1671 numerous complaints were made, " that great
quantities of unmarked horses and cattle, contrary to the former
ordinance, still are found in the common wood-land of the Island of
the Manhattan. It is therefore ordered by the mayor, that the per-
sons heretofore appointed (of whom there were four) for branders,
as well as at Haerlam, shall give notice that no horses or cattle,
after the space of six weeks next ensuing, are permitted to feed in
the common lands of this Island, except they are branded with the
eiiiye's or tawne^s brand upon. Those found not branded * shall be
brought up to the S. Overseers to be branded, and the owner of the
same shall pay as followeth : for bringing up a horse, six guilders,
and for branding, two guilders ; for bringing up a steare, oxe, or
cow, three guilders, and for branding, one guilder. If no owner
• DenUm'B ** New York," pobliBhed by WmiAm Gowaii.
Digitized by
Gooole
44 BROADWAY SHAMBLES.
appears for those which are not known, they shall be kept during
the space of six weeks, and then publicly sould.' " *
This "Market-Place at the Strand" continued as such until the
year 1675, when ihe " Custom-House Bridge Market-House " was
erected, and its attractive "fitt" shelter drew the market people
from what, during a period of almost twenty years, had been known
as " at the Strand, at or around the house of Mr. Hans Kierstede."
•'BROADWAY SHAMBLES."
Earlt in the year 1658, a meat-market was established, and a
shed or shambles were built for that purpose, on the plain in front
of the "Fort Amsterdam," the present site of the Bowling Green.
This appears to have been the first place erected expressly for the
sale of the meat of large animals, as, previous to this, we have before
noticed that ''fresh beef and pork had been sold, and no doubt cut
up, at the Company's Store." Smaller animals, such as mutton, veal,
goats' flesh, &c., had been sold from the baskets of the producers, at
the "Market-Place at the Strand."
The market-place having been established, an elderly Burgher, or
, rather "Claas Van Elsant, the elder," on the 21st of February fol-
lowing, petitions, "that the magistrates may be pleased to allow him
to be keeper of the shambles, as it is frequently demanded, both by
the English and outside people, that some one may be appointed to
fix a block, scales, and weights in the hall, so that they may not be
at a loss when they come there with their meats."t His request was
laid over until another meeting, when it was denied. The next year
he again presents himself at the Court, and "requests to be Clerk
of the Market;" soon after. Tennis Kray (who held the public oflSce
of a measurer of apples, onions, and turnips,) petitions " that his wife
may superintend the market, to keep it clean." The Court answers,
"that nothing will be done about the market for the present time."
This market "shambles on the plain" did not appear to answer
the purpose of its erecters, as there is no doubt that it was a small,
rough shed ; open, leaky, and not suitable for stormy or cold weather.
As the Records show, on the following 18th of April, "the Burgo-
masters resolved and concluded to erect the TTica^-market; further,
to cover it with tiles; to have a block brought therein, and to
« City Beootda. t lUd.
I
Digitized by
Google
BROADWAY SHAMBLES. 45
leave the key with Andries (de Haas) the baker, who shall pro-
visionally have charge thereof."
We have previously introduced three sworn butchers, whose chief
business was in "butchering and cutting up," for the private citi-
zens and the " Company's Store ;" but now having established this
meo^-market, and many complaints being made of frauds which had
been committed by cheating the Oovemment out of their lawful ex-
cise, called for additional " sworn butchers." These facts brought
the Burgomasters and Schepens together on the 24th of September,
1660, when they resolved to appoint more " sworn butchers," who
are to be bound under certain instructions. At a meeting held on
the 15th October following, therefore, a placard was prepared in
the following terms : " In accordance with the laudable custom of
our own Fatherland, and for the accommodation of the Burghers
and inhabitants of this city, (tvej have thought it expedient that
sworn butchers be accepted and chosen, who shall be empowered to
slaughter all cattle consumed within this city's jurisdiction — they
have therefore accepted and selected thereunto
Egbert Meinderzen, Asser Levy, (a Jew J
Roelof Jansen, Yceter Maacker,
Gerrit Jansen Roos, Jan Van Harlaem,
Pieter Jansen, Yande Langstraat,
Hendrick Volkersen, Daniel Tourneur,
Paulus Van de Beeck, Gerrit Fullewever,
who are made known to the community, that every one who has any *
cattle to be slaughtered may speak to them, and pay them the fol-
lowing fees:
One ox or cow, .... 5 guilders, (ahout $2 ])
" hog, 1 thaler;
" sheep, calf, or goat, - - - 1 guilder, ^40 cents;)
small animals in proportion." In their instructions, " they shall be
bound to accommodate every one without delay, and bring with
them their tools; and shall not kill any cattle without a permit
from the Slaughter Farmer."
They all submitted to the instructions, and were sworn, except
Asser Levy, who " requests to be excused from killing hogs, as his
religion does not allow him to doit; which was granted him."
He then took the oath which the Jews are accustomed to take.
The municipal oflScers occasionally engaged in a little of the
slaughtering business, and no doubt received some extra privileges
from the " Slaughter Farmer," when preparing meats for the Com-
pany's Store; or it appears so from the proceedings which took
place on the 19th October following. '' The Heer Schepen, Cor-
Digitized by
Google
46 BROADWAY SHAMBLES.
nelis Steenwyck, proposes, as the season for slaQghtering is at
hand, and he is about to kill some cattle, therefore requests that he
may pay the Farmer for what he consumes, as well as for the meat
which he may deliver to the Burghers, and for what he should send
or deliver to the (Company^ a) Store, that he might convey with a
permit, merely paying an excise."
Burgomasters and Schepens having considered the request, decide
that the Heer Cornelis Steenwyck shall have to pay the farmer for
what he consumes and sells to the Burghers of this city ; and he
shall procure merely a permit for what he sends or delivers to the
*' Company."
These "sworn butchers" were very partial to litigation in set-
tling their difficulties, which appears usually to have been done
through referees, and without the assistance of the legal profession*
Some of these trials are quite original in their way, and, in their
details, show how much of the business was conducted, as well as the
history of the citizens of that early day. The Jew, Asser Levy, is
found often engaged, both before and after he was made a "sworn
butcher," in suits of various kinds. The first he brings against
Egbert Meinderzen, in relation to the division of profits.
This case was before the Court January 18, 1661, when Levy
states, "he bought and slaughtered some cattle with defendant, and
receiving the balance from defendant after settlement of account,
he said he should count it (money) after him, and acquaintinf? him
thereof, that defendant abused him, as one who supported thieves
and such like ; for which he demands reparation. Defendant denies
it. Plaintiff says he can prove it, which the W. Court ordered him
to do by the next court-day."
On the following 8d of May, Levy is engaged in another against
Frans. Janzen Van Hooghten, a carpenter, who "hath agreed to
build a house for Wessels, {Evertzen) the fisherman, which must be
finished by May, and to this time {M May) the agreement is without
efiect ; and whereas he has hired the same house from the above-
named Wessels, and cannot occupy it, he claims the damage he shall
suffer thereby, as he must remain so long in another man's house.
" Defendant says he undertook the house, but for no time, and
must moreover wait for the materials to make the roof tight ; he
has spoken to Wessels Evertaen about them, who gave him for
answer, he could not bring them so soon.
" Plaintiff says he laid the roof on long ago, and that defendant
went to other work, leaving that stand." The Court orders the
** defendant to go to the work, and remain there until it be finished,
without working on another."
Digitized by
Google
BROADWAY SHAMBLES. 47
Again, a few years after, (November 21, 1665,) this Levy
brought a suit against Johanos La Montayne, about some goats,
which were at that time extensively used for the dairy and slaughter.
In La Montayne's answer, he says, the " eight goats were not re-
fused to be paid, on condition that Levy restored to him the butter,
etc., the produce of the seven goats which he sold Mr. Gysbert,
before the expiration of the contract on which he had the goats."
The evidence which follows shows that an attempt had been
made to have it settled by arbitration. This says: "On date, 27th
October, appeared before me, Nicolaes Bayard, the above-mentioned
plaintiff, Aroer Levy, who declared that he agreed with the defend-
ant, Johan Montayne, that defendant should pay him for his claim
8 goats, 2 wethers, 150 ps. fire-wood, and 2 cocks, provided the
plaintiff paid the costs of this suit."
Another of these '' sworn butchers," named Daniel Toumeur,
must have been also fond of the '' law," but otherwise he appears
unlike Levy, as he slaughtered and dealt in hogs. He brings a
suit against Frans. Jansen Van Hooghten, on the 10th February,
1660, from whom he demands one beaver, balance of a hog, and
two guilders for slaughtering. Defendant says that, on buying
the hog, he was told by the plaintiff that he had no measled hogs
among his ; and on slaughtering it, found it measled. Defendant
is asked if he killed the hog shortly after buying it? Answers, ^
No ; but three or four weeks after. The W. Court order defend-
ant to pay the plaintiff the beaver, and the two guilders for kill-
ing. This case having been decided, Toumeur and Jans Schryver,
on the same day, were called upon as witnesses in another hog case.
They were " asked about the sale of the hog which took place
between Captain Jan Jacobzen and the Rector Alexander Garo-
Ins Curtius. Daniel Tourneur declares that, after many words of
praising and bidding, the hog was sold to Dom Rector for five
beavers, saying that Captain Jacob would not sell that hog less
than five beavers, which was told to the Rector; to which the
Rector answered, saying, in Ood's name, he had but two beavers,
and he must wait for the other three ; to which Captain Jacob would
hardly agree. Finally, through the mediation of Joannes Van der
Mezlen, he let himself be persuaded ; offering to confirm the same
on oath.
Jan Schryver declares that Dom* Rector bought the hog for
two blankets and ttco leavers ; offering also to confirm the same on
oath.
The W. Court give parties eight days' respite to recollect them-
selves, and if they have any proof, to bring it also in."
Digitized by
Google
48 BROADWAY SHAMBLES.
This case was decided on the 24th of August following, by the
Court, "who condemned the defendant to pay the plaintiff five
beavers, which he proved."
Next we notice Daniel Toumeur in the position of a defendant in
a suit brought before the Court, on the 18th of September, 1664, by
Albert Trumpeter, who complains '* that he missed a hog, being a
sow, which he had placed on Baren Island with other hogs, which
the defendant removed from there. Defendant admits having taken
a hog from the Island ; saying that some of the N. Haerlem have
hogs also running there, and that one requested the other, when
going to the Island, to look after his hogs; and as he was there to
cut grass, returning from work, he saw a hog lying on the strand
very sick, which he laid loose in his canoe and brought to the vil-
lage, making the same known, in order to learn whose hog it was;
whereof he produces declaration ; then, as no one claimed the hog,
he wiU let it lay over the night, to see if some one would not come
in the mean while to whom tiie hog belonged, but he found it dead
on the next day. The W. Court having heard parties, decree that
the defendant shall replace such hog on Baren Island for the plaint-
iff from which he removed plaintiff's hog, or that he make good the
removed hog to the plaintiff."
Two of these sworn butchers were afterwards engaged against
each other on the 18th January, 1661, when Roelef Janzen Van
Mepplin complains of Egbert Meinderzen, (who appears to have
been rather a troublesome Burgher.) Van Mepplin ** says he hath
slaughtered some cattle in company with the defendant, and agreed
with him for wages, at 26 stivers per head. Demanding a balance
of sixty-one guilders, nine stivers, according to account exhibited in
Court.
Defendant acknowledged he hath entered into such an agree*
ment with the plaintiff, and that no money has yet been received ;
that plaintiff is unwilling to pay the expense of the men. He was
to have slaughtered three with them, and did slaughter five with
them.
Plaintiff is asked if he helped to slaughter the cattle which
he brings into account? Answer — they slaughtered them to-
gether.
Defendant says he can prove by Pieter Jansen and Willem Jan-
sen Van Borckeloo that plaintiff said he would help to bear the ex-
pense. Which being stated to plaintiff, he says, if defendant can
prove that, he will bear the expense alone." The Court order
" defendant to pay the plaintiff, and decree that the defendant shall
bear three^uarters and the plaintiff oneniuarter of the expense,"
Digitized by
Google
BROADWAY SHAMBLES. 49
Another novel suit was brought against one of the early sworn
butchers, at a Court held on the 3d of August, 1673, where "Thomas
Walton brings action against Roelef Jansen, butcher, for sheep sold
him." He claims " the quantity of three ankers of rum." The
Court condemns "Jansen to pay the said debt." Then again, in
1674, Jansen was sued by David de Four, who demands from Jan-
sen " the sum of ff.200, for an ox sold about two years ago to the
defendant, and offers to deliver to defendant a certain cow which
he bartered with defendant whenever he is paid." Jansen says, " that
De Four did not deliver him the cow according to agreement, notr
withstanding he sent his children for her divers times." The Court
ordered, " that Jansen shall pay De Four the demanded sum within
eight days' time, provided the cow be first delivered to the plaint-
iff the time the same is paid, and that said cow shall meanwhile run
at defendant's risk."
We turn back, and find, three days after these butchers were
Bworn in, (October 15, 1660,) Egbert Meinderzen, who had a com-
plaint lodged against him " by persons bringing meat to market,
that he obliges them to purchase a Burgher-right first before they
can sell it." The Court warns him not to do so any more, or he
will be attended to.
This Burgher-right, or freedom of the city, appears to have been
of two kinds, which vested certain rights and privileges in the
holder when obtained, and were known as the "Great Burgher-
right" and *' Small Burgher-right."
The ** Great Burgher-right" was established in this city on the
30th of January, 1657, as will appear from the "Records," in tli3
following language: "The Court allow and concede to the Burgo-
masters and Schepens the establishment of a Great Burgher-right,
for which those who may request to be therein, shall pay fifty
guilders, ($20 ;) and all such, and such only, shall hereafter be qual-
ified to fill all city offices and dignities within this city — ^be exempt
for one year and six weeks from watches and expeditions — ^be free
in their proper persons from arrest by any subaltern Court or judi-
cial benches of this province." The " Small Burgher-right" it was
necessary to obtain before they could do any business, and some
bought it only for short periods; however, the following proceed-
ings will more fully explain this privilege.
On the 25th of March following, " The Heer President states that
there are several of the inhabitants of this city who have purchased
their * Burgher-right' for a year and a day, and do not pay ; and
whenever the city messenger goes for payment, they answer, they
have no money, proceeding to scoff at and censure the Burgomasters ;
Vol. I.— 4
Digitized by
Google
50 BROADWAY SHAMBLES.
and thongh it be a matter which concerns the Borgomasters alone,
uevertheless, that it be known to the Heer Schepens, it is therefore
communicated to the Court to remember it."
Two days after, '* the Schonts and Burgomasters, pursuant to the
privilege granted on date 30th January, 1657, that some of the new-
ly-arriving passengers may, through ignorance, presume to sell here
in this city by the ell, measure, or weight, or pursue some other
business, have thought proper, in order to save every one damage,
again to inform them by this publication, that no one can sell in the
city by the ell, measure, or weight, or do any other business, unless
he have received the Burgher^right of this city, and have his ell,
measure, or weight stamped; and whoever is inclined so do to shall
have to apply to receive their Burgher-right to the Hon. Presiding
Burgomaster, Allard Anthony; and for the stamping their ell, meas-
ure, and weights, shall apply at the City Hall, on the afternoon of
Saturday,' from two to four o'clock; every one is warned to take
heed of damage." The same day ''Marcus Yogelsangh appears in
Court, requesting to be admitted a Burgher; claiming, as he lived
here before three years, that it cannot be refused him ; and also that
he is to be preferred to the new-comers, who were not here in the
troubles with the English. But as there was no Burgher^right at
that time, Bui^omasters decree that he, the petitioner, must purchase
it like others, or he cannot be considered a Burgher."
On the 9th of April following, notice was given "that those who
claim the Great or Small Burgher-right, by virtue of gift or favor,
shall communicate their names within eight days to the Burgomas-
ter of this city, who, for this purpose, beginning to-morrow, the
10th inst., shall sit during the eight days at the City Hall, from two
o'clock till five o'clock in the afternoon, to inscribe the names, with
warning, that those who do not communicate theirs within the as-
sessed time, shall be deprived of the claims of Burgher-right."
Two days after, " Asser Levy, the Jew butcher, appeared in Court;
requests to be admitted a Burgher ; claims such ought not to be re-
fused him, as he keeps watch and serves like other Burghers, show-
ing Burgher's certificate from the City of Amsterdam, that the Jew
is Burgher there ; which being debated on, 'tis decreed as before, that
it cannot be allowed, and he shall apply to the Director-General and
Council."
"Lourens Cornelius Van der Wei" also appears in Court the
same day, "representing that he hath already performed divers ex-
traordinary services in time of need, Ac, both as a gunner of the
city, as also in the South (Ddatoare) River, and that, if necessary,
he is ready to serve; requesting, therefore, the benefit of a Great
Digitized by
Google
BROADWAY SHAMBLES. 51
Burgher-right. Burgomasters, considering the manifold services of
the {iCtitioner, and his good disposition to continue, if necessary,
grant his petition, and he is therefore inscribed, and has taken the
Burgher oath."
The next year, on the 28th February, (1658,) "Tomas Swartwout
appears in Court, requesting the Small Burgher-right, and took the
oath in Court, signing an obligation for 20 gl. beavers, payable for
it." On the 22d of the following month, "It was ordered, that from
now, henceforward, that all who will purchase the Great and Small
Burgher-right, shall promptly pay into the Treasury ; and those who
have already bought it, to pay within the space of twenty-four hours,
on pain of execution."
Two years after, on the arrival of the ship OUded Beaver^ the
Court permanently fixed the price of these Rights, which took place
on the 18th of June, 1660, when they say, "To those who come in
the ship OUded Beaver, and those who may yet come," must pay
"for the Small Burgher-right twenty guilders, ($8,) and for the * Great
Burgher-right' fifty guilders, ($20;) or in beavers, the beaver to be
the value of six guilders."
Referring again to the sworn butchers, we find a man by the name
of Symon Joosten is noticed in Court, October 16th of this year,
;1660,) "aud was told if he be desirous to be a sworn butcher, he
must first purchase his Burgher-right. He declares he is not desir-
ous to be a sworn butcher, but requesting that he may sell his meat
that he may bring for sale on payment of the excise, which is al-
lowed him."
Meinderzcn (before noticed) was again complained of on the next
Court-day, held 29th October, 1660, but this time impleaded with
one William Jansen Van Borckeloo, (an unstvorn butcher,) and from
the evidence on trial, both are found 'guilty. Meinderzen is fined
twenty-five guilders, with costs, and forbidden to slaughter for the
!»pace/)f six weeks. Van Borckeloo was also fined, although plead-
ing ignorance of the 'placard, in the sum of twenty-five guilders and
costs. The next day Meinderzen petitions to the Court, "after pay-
ing his fine, and requests their Hon" will be pleased to permit
and allow him to slaughter along with the other * sworn butchers.'
The Burgomasters, through special considerations, release the peti-
tioner from his condemned six weeks, with this reservation — that he
demeans himself for the future as an honorable Burgher." Van
Borckeloo also petitions that "he has settled his fine, and requests,
in all humility, that your Hon" may be pleased to accept him
as a sworn butcher." His request was also granted.
Oases of ihefl: were most severely punished, and sometimes torture
Digitized by
Google
52 BROADWAY SHAMBLES.
with the rack and chains were applied to force confession from the
culprit. The following extracts from the trials of two individuals
show these facts: The first is noticed in the month of May, 1661, in
the trial of one Marten Van Weert. when under examination by the
magistrates. "The prisoner, under threats of being placed on the
rack^ was asked where he got the silver-handled knife. Answers,
persisting in his {former) confession, that he was half drunk when
he took the spoons, and laid them the next morning under the little
shelf." After the conclusion of the trial, the magistrates proceed
to show his many unlawful acts, and then the sentence follows: "For
his grave and shameful act of theft, committed at various times and
divers places, according to his own voluntary confession and ac-
knowledgment, without torture or force — ^first having stolen, seven
or more years ago, a quantity of zeawan from the house of Pieter
Kock, deceased ; having stolen from the Heer Cornelius Steenwyck's
house, at divers times, a quantity of otters and beavers, (skiTis,) to-
gether with some pieces of manufactured or Harlaem stuflfs, and a
piece of fine-napped cloth; also a piece of fine linen; having lately
stolen from Christyne Capoens' house, at the feast or celebration of
the marriapre of Lawurens Van der Spygel and Sarah Webbers, to
which wedding he was invited, half-a-dozen spoons," the magistrates
"condemn the above-named Marten Van Waart, as they hereby do,
that he shall be severely scourged with rods in a closed chamber,
banished ten years out of this jurisdiction, and further in the c6sts
and mises of justice."
On the 16th of November following, another case is found in
"Mesaack Martenzen, brought forward, was, at the request of the
Heer OflBcer, for further interrogation, examined by torture as to
how many cabbages, fowls, turkies, and how much butter he hath
stolen, who his abettors and co-operators have been. Answering, he
persists by his reply, as per interrogatories, that he did not steal any
butter, fowl, turkies, nor had any abettors; being again set loose,
the Heer Officer produces his demand against the delinquent, con-
cluding, that for his committed theft, voluntarily confessed, without
torture or chains, he shall be brought to the usual place of criminal
justice, well fastened to a stake, and severely whipt, and banished
from the jurisdiction of this City of Amsterdam, for the term of ten
years, all with costs."
At the Court this day, January 81, 1662, "Pieter, the negro, en-
tering, requests payment for executing the sentence on one Mesaack
Martenzen and Marten Van Weert; is promised that arrangements
shall be made that he have that for Mesaack, but that of Marten
Van Waart is promised him by the Heer Officer."
Digitized by
Google J
BROADWAY SHAMBLES. 53
Ten years after, John Clarke, in a letter dated "ffrom y* Secre-
tarje's Office in Ffort James, the 28th day of January in the even-
ing, 1672-3/' furnishes us with some other interesting facts of the
same character. He says:. *' Lastly, for our own city news, lett this
satisfy : that 'tother day wee had like to have lost our hangman,
Ben Johnson, for hee being taken in diverse thefts and robberyes,
convicted & found guilty, scap^ his neck through want of another
hangman to truss him up, soe that all the punishment hee receiv' for
his 3 yeares roguery in thieving & stealing, (which was never found
oat till now,) was only thirty-nine stripes at the whipping-post, loss
of an ear, & banishm^ Capt. Manning had likewise 2 servants that
hee employed at his island, {now BlacktodVa) taken w^ him in ;their
villany, but they being not found soe guilty as hee, came off with
whipping and banishment All this happened about a ffortnight
since, but 'tis 2 months since they were apprehended. Another dis-
aster about 12 dayes since befell a young man in this towne, by name
one Mr. Wright, a one-eyed man, &, a muff-maker by trade, who
drinking hard upon rum one evening, w^ some ffriends, begann a
health of a whole halfe pint at a draught, w"^ hee had noe sooner
done but downe hee fell and never rose more, w*"^ prodigy may teach
us all to have a care how wee drink, in imitation of that good old
lesson, Fodix quern faciunt^ Ac. This young man's untimely {end)
doth somewhat parallel that person in yo' letter, who you write was
killed with a sley, the w^ in like manner could but strike a great
amazem^ into all that heard it, by w"^ wee may see that though there
is but one way of coming into the world, yet there is a thousand
wayes of goeing out of it."*
We again look back to the year 1664, on the 3d day of Septem-
ber, when New Amsterdam became New York, (after James, Duke
of York,) by its seizure, and Governor Stuyvesant was forced to
surrender it to GoL Richard Nicolls, who appeared in the harbor
with a powerful English fleet, causing an open war between Eng-
land and Holland; this was settled soon afterwards, and New York
was ceded to the English by a treaty. The city, at this period, con-
tained about 1,500 inhabitants.
Colonel NicoU immediately became the Governor, but the Dutch
laws, with the name of Schout, Burgomaster, and Schepens, were
not repealed until the following June 12th, (1665,) when Mayor,
Aldermen, and Sheriff were introduced ; and soon afterwards they
were importuned with petitions and complaints of various charac-
ters: one of which was, that the city was defrauded by the inatten-
tion of Timothy Gabrie, collector of the excise on slaughtered
* HUtorical Magazine, vol W., p. 61.
Digitized by
Google
54 BROADWAY SHAMBLES.
cattle, who is informed by the Court that " the city is seriously de-
frauded in the entering of cattle for slaughter; that before he
grants a license, he must inspect the cattle, to see if they be entered
according to the just value."*
The butchers, also, on the 31st of October following, petition for
increased ''fees and wages;" which, after some deliberation, the
authorities only raised ** one guilder on each beast, whether ox or
cow ; and from all other small cattle, not more than was granted
and allowed heretofore."
Additional "sworn butchers" were considered necessary, and the
following were appointed : Jan Hendrickson Van Gunst, Bichard
NichoUs, and Richard Dodomit, who were sworn with the following
oath : " We doe swere, in the presence of the Almighty God, that
we, as sworne Butchers of this Gitty, shal kill noe Cattle, Hoggs,
etz, without a Ticket of consent from the Collectors of the Mayor
and Aldermen, except it be for the Right Hon"'* Governor, Richard
Nicolls. So help us God Almighty."
At some seasons of the year these butchers were busily employed
in slaughtering, especially in the fall season and part of the winter,
but the spring and summer months found them seeking otlicr em*
ployment, which sometimes appeared to interfere with the rights of
others, or was so thought in these early days; and no doubt called
forth from the authorities, on the 25th of August, 1676, the follow-
ing order: "That noe Butchers bee permitted to be Curriers, Shoe-
makers, or Tanners; nor shall any Tanner be either Curriers,
Shoemakers, or Butchers ; itt being consonant to the Laws of Eng>
land, & practised in the neighbour Collony's of y* Massachusetts
and Conecticott."
Prior to the 1st of November, 1676, cattle were slaughtered in
the citty (then below Wall Street) at the private establishments of
the butchers ; and no doubt they were not as careful or as cleanly
as they should have been, or at least the following proceedings,
which appear on the previous 7th of June, lead us to think so:
" Whereas, there is found sev'all inconveniencys by the Butchers
keeping theire Slaughter-Howses in this City, as well as the annoy-
ance thereof to y* inhabitants of the same. Itt is ordered, y* (thai)
for y* future there shall not bee any Slaughter-House V4n this
City, nor any Oxen, Cows, Hogs, Sheepe, or Lambs killed w'4n
y* same after the first day of November next ensuing, upon paiue
not only to forfeit all and every such meate soe killed contrary to
this order, but forfeit to y' use of the Citty the sum of £10 ster-
linge."
* City Reooidfl.
Digitized by
Google
BBOADWAT SHAMBLES. 55
This onJer caused them to be so scattered about the suburbs, that
it gave the "Farmer of the Excise" a great deal of trouble to
examine the different animals which were to be slaughtered on the
same day ; and no doubt this called for the establishment of a large
public slaughter-house, to be conducted by the Government, on the
16th of February the next year, in the following language: "It is
ordered that, for the necessary and publique use, a Generall or Pub-
lique Slaughter^Howse shall be built for the use of the Cytie over
the Water, without the Gate at the SmitKa Fly, neare the HaJ/
Moone" — ^Battery.
" Without the Gate" meant just outside of the Gate of the WdU
of the City, and on the east end of WaU Street, on the river-shore,
stood the '^Hijlf Moom" Battery; between this and the present Pine
on Pearl Street this "Publique Slaughter-Howse" was built, one
year afterwards. The proceedings show on the 8th of January,
1678, that "Ashur Levy, {Jew Butcher) then makeing his addresse
to their Court, that hee might be admitted to build the Slaughter-
House," {mentioned in the above,) "and to take in Garrett Jansen
Rose to be partner therein, and that all persons should have libberty
to kill & hang therein meat, there paying. for the same as formerly
in other places." The Court granted his proposal, and on the 10th
of February following, he " affirmed that hee had built" it; when
the Court confirmed the same upon him and his partner.
This building was used for public slaughtering until the 12th
of March, 1696, when a committee was ordered, (after the repre-
sentations made by the inhabitants of Pearl Street, setting forth
the great apprehensions they have of being injured by the " Gun-
powder lodged in the warehouse near Whitehall,") "doe view
whether the Slaughter-Howse /orwer?^ imployed for that use be suf-
ficient for y* lodging the same — which if itt be, that they order the
powder be removed thither accordingly /' and the Slaughtcr-House
became a powder-house.
Asser Levy, the Jew butcher, while keeping this "Publique
Slaughter-Howse," also kept an old-established tavern near by or
just within the " Water Gate," which many previous years was kept
by the widow of Daniel Litpchoe, from whom he purchased it. Levy
died in the year 1682, when his family removed to Long Island.
Gerrit Jansen Roos was a carpenter by trade, but he became a
sworn butcher, and in 1665 lived and owned property on the present
Broadway, above Wall Street ; then, thirteen years after, he is found
engaged with Levy in the public Slaughter-House.
Glancing back to the change of government from the Dutch to
English rule, with the second Governor, Colonel Francis Lovelace,
Digitized by
Google
56 BROADWAY SHAMBLES.
who succeeded Nicholls in 1668, did not altogether change the
language of the " Records," as they were yet kept in both EngHsh
and Dutch. This change, however, did not last long; for on the
29th day of July, 1673, a Dutch fleet sailed into our harbor, and,
with some manoeuvring, again took possession of the countryt
changed the name of New York to that of " New Orange," (in com-
pliment to the Prince of Orange,) and with it the form of govern-
ment to its former character of Schout, Burgomaster and Schepens,
and Captain Anthony Colve as the Governor. This continued only
for a short period, as, by a treaty of peace made on the 9th of Feb-
ruary, 1674, between England and Holland, the Dutch restored this
country to the rule of the English, when Sir Edmund Andross be-
came Governor, William Dervall Mayor, and our city was once
more called New York.
Many propositions were soon after offered, followed with orders
and proclamations to improve the local affairs of the government,
some to undo and others to add to those already in existence. "Itt
being taken into consideracon wether itt bee not proper to have
English weights and measures too bee used according too the Law.
It is ordered, thatt in three months after the publicacon thereof, the
same shall bee put in practize in the City, Long Island, and parts
adjacent,
"And in six months in all other parts throughout the government.
And thatt whosoever shall after that time presume too use any other
weights and measures, shall forefeite all they shall soe sell, and bee
lyable too such further punishment ffbr contempt as the case shall
require. The time off Proclamacons prohibiting the exportacona
off come, ande also that off fflouer, &c., being expired, the same be-
ing taken intoo consideracon, and the present scarcity. Itt is or-
dered that the prohibicon ffbr exporting ofl^ come or flSoure doo still
continue inn force ffbr the termeoff six months after the dayte here-
off."* ("^ Dutch pound contains eighteen ounces ")f
Several other changes were made at the General Court of Assize,
held in the city, beginning on the 6th and ending on the 13th of Octo-
ber, 1675, among which, "AFair or Market is ordered to be held three
dayes at Breucklin," and three more in this city, which is fully noticed
in the following proclamation made by Governor Andross on the 29th
of January, 1676: "And the ord'^of the Court of Assize for a Pfayre
to bee also observed, to witt: at Breucklin for cattell, Ac, graine,
&c., produce of the country, the first Monday, Tuesday, and Wed-
nesday in November, and in the Citty at the market-house and plaine
afore the forte, the Thursday, Fryday, and Saturday followinge, and
• Wooley'8 Journal, by Gowan, p. 35. f city Recorda.
Digitized by
Google
BROADWAY SHAMBLES. 57
that every person or persons cominge to the same are and bee free
from any arrest or arrests, for debt or debts in their persons or
goods, cominge to or returninge from the said Markett of Fayre day
or dayes, of w^** all persons are to take notice, and conform them-
selves thereunto accordingly.
'* This ord' to be and remain in force for the space of three yeares
from the twenty-fourth of March next."*
Governor Andross, in 1678, in some answers about New York,
shows us some facts in relation to the buildings, productions, trade,
wealth, slaves, <&c. He says, ''Our buildings, most wood, some late-
ly (built (f) stone and brick, good country houses & strong of
their several! kindes. Our produce is land provisions of all sorts,
as of wheate exported yearly about 60,000 bushells, pease, beefe,
}K)rk, & some refuse fish, tobacco, beavers, peltry or furrs from the
Indians, deale & oake timber, plankes, pipe-staves, lumber, horses,
A pitch & tarr lately began to be made. Comodityes imported are
all sorts of English manufacture for Christians, & blankets, duffelis,
Ac, for Indians about 50,000 lbs. {£) yearly.
''Our merch^ are not many, but with inhabitants & planters
about 2,000 able to beare arms ; old inhabitants of the place or of
England, except in & neere New Yorke, of Dutch extraction, &
some few of all nations; but few serv^, much wanted, and but very
few slaves. Some few slaves are sometimes brought from Barbadoes,
most for provisions, and sould att ab* 30 lb. or 35 lb. country pay.
"A mercli* worthe 1,000 lb. or 500 lb. is accompted a good sub-
stantiall merchant ; and a planter worthe halfe that in moveables,
accompted (rich?) with all the Estates, may be valued att about
£150,000." " Noe beggars, but all poore cared for."
About this period Mr. Wooley, in his "Journal," also gives some
interesting facts, in the following words: he says, "The price of In-
dian commodities as sold by the Christians is as foUoweth :
£. •. d. £. R, d.
Beavers, - 00 10 3 a pound. Grey Foxes, - 00 03 0 a pound.
The Lapps, 00 07 6 " Otters, - - 00 08 0
Minks, - - 00 05 0 " Rackoons, - 00 01 5
" Beaver is fifteen pence a skin custom at New York, four-pence
at London; three-pence a skin freight, which is after the rate of
fifteen pounds a tun.
"The value of other skins: a deer skin, 00 00 6 a p.; a good
bear skin will give 00 07 0; a black beaver skin is worth a beaver
and a half of another colour; a black otter's skin, if very good, is
worth twenty shillings; a fisher's skin, three shillings; a cat's skin,
• City RecordB.
Digitized by
Google
58 BROADWAY SHAMBLES.
half a crown ; a wolf's skin, three shillings ; a musquash, or a musk-
rat's skin, six shillings and ten-pence.
"An oxe-hide, three-pence a pound wet, and sixpence dry. Mo-
lossus, three-pence a pound, and fifty shillings a barrel in wii^ter,
that being the dearest season. Sugar in Barbadoes, twelve shillings
the hundred, which contains a hundred and twelve pounds, which at
New York yields thirty shillings the bare hundred. In Barbadoes,
(new negroes, t. c, such as cannot speak English,) are bought for
twelve or fourteen pound a head ; but if they can speak English,
sixteen or seventeen pound; and at New York, if they are grown
there, they give thirty-five and thirty or forty pound a head, where,
by-the-by, let me observe, that the Indians look upon these negroes
or blacks as an anomalous issue, meer Edomites, hewers of wood
and drawers of water.
**The price of provisions: Long Island wheat, three shillings a
(schepd) skipple, (being three parts of a bushel;) sopus wheat, half
a crown a skipple; Indian corn flower, fifteen shillings a hundred;
bread, 18 a hundred ; pork, £3 the barrel, which contains two hun-
dred and forty pounds, i. €., 3d. the pound; beef, 30s. the barrel ;
butter, fid. a pound ; amongst provisions I may reckon tobacco, of
which they are obstinate and incessant smokers, both Indians and
Dutch, especially the latter, whose diet, especially of the boorish
sort, being sallets and bacon, and very often picked buttermilk, re-
quire the use of that herb to keep their phlegm from coagulating
and curdling. I once saw a pretty instance relating to the power
of tobacco, in two Dutchmen riding a race with short campaigne
pipes in their mouths, one of which being hur I'd from his steed, as soon
as he gathered himself up again, whip'd to his pipe, and fell a suck-
ing and drawing, regarding neither his horse nor fall, as if the prize
consisting in getting that heat which came from his beloved smoke.'*
In 1680, another extraordinary market-day is ordered to be kept
every week, on Wednesday. This, however, is to be held at the
market-place, near the bridge and weigh-house.
These particular days were no doubt designated in the laws and
ordinances for the purpose of enabling the country people to meet
on certain days, to establish them as marketrdays, "Wednesdays and
Saturdays," at the market-place " near the bridge and weigh-house,"
(see Custom-Houae Bridge Market;) and the only place for the sale
of fresh meat was at the Broadway Shambles, where the regular mar-
ket-days were "upon Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday," which fact
is shown from the laws *' ordained and enacted on the 15th day of
March, 1688." They read, " that Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday
in each week be and are hereby appointed market-days in this city,
Digitized by
Google
BROADWAY SHAMBLES. 59
for the exposing to sale at the market-house all batchers' meat and
flesh whatsoever ; that is to say, on Tuesday and Thursday, from 8
to 12 of the clock in the forenoon; and on Saturday, the same time
of the forenoon, and from two to four of the clock in the afternoon,
for the market shall be opened and shut by the ringing of the bell.
No butchers'-meat victuals is to be exposed for sale in the said mar-
ket, under the penalty of forfeitiffe."*
Before the close of the year, it appears that " butchers' meat is
to be sold every day, except Sunday," from the proceeding held on
the 6th of December same year, which first notices the fact that
"the Ly censes always belong to y* Govemo', the benefitt of y* Mar-
kett and Markett-Houses is granted, provided there be nothing sold
but upon Wednesday and Saturday, beginning betwixt nine & ten
of y* clock in y* fforenoon, and all brought in j* market^place,
nothing being sold in any vessel!, boate, or canoe w^soever; only
Butchers^ meat is to be sold every day in y* weeke, Sunday excepted,
but to be sold in y* markett, & no where else. That it is conven-
ient a Gierke of j* Markett be appointed, and that by j* Governor,
who shall see after y* weights & measures, & due regulations of
markett."
The *'Dongan Charter," which was proclaimed three years after,
also says, that "Tuesday, Thursdajr, and Saturday" were the regu-
lar market-days; this is dated April 22d, 1686, and also says:
'^Whereas, the citizens and inhabitants of the said city have
erected, built, and appropriated, at their own proper costs and
charges, several public buildings, accommodations, and convenience
for the said city ; that is to say, the City HaJl or Stadt House, with
the ground thereunto belonging, ttoo market-housesy &c.," (one the
'^Broadway ShamUes,^^ and the other the *' Custom-House Bridge
Market.") It further says : " The granting to the Mayor, Aiders
men, and Cpmmonalty, that they and their successors shall, and
may forever hereafter, hold and keep within the said city, in every
week of the year, three market-days; the one upon Tuesday, the
other upon Thursday, and the other upon Saturday, weekly, for-
ever."
In 1691, the "Broadway Shambles" still continued to be the only
meat-market, and were so represented on the first day of April
of that year, in the proceedings, which say : " That there be but
one batchers' shambles within this citty ; that it be still daily kept
at the (Grreen^ or) Groon, before the ffort, until further; and all
batchers' meat to be brought to the said shambles for sayle, and no
other place."
• City RecorOfl.
Digitized by
Google
60 BHOADWAY SHAMBLES.
This was followed on the 18tb of the same month with market
regulations, as follows : " Resolved, That the market for Jlesk be
kept three dayes in the week — ^Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday —
and that the market bee opened by seven of the clock in the morn-
ing, and notice to bee given for the opening of the same by the
Ringing of the Bell ; and in case by Tydes, weather, or any other
accident, that Flesh, Pish, Poultry, Eggs, Butter, Cheese, hearbes,
ffruit, and Rootes, or other provisions vendible, should come to the
Citty on other days wh'" are not markete days — ^yett they may nev-
ertheless be sould in the said markett-place under the same Circum*
stances and Regulations as on the Dayes on wh*"' the marketts are
appointed."
*' No Hucksters or persons to sell againe shall b(u)y any flesh,
fish, fowles, Egges, butter, Cheese, or any other sort of provision
sayable, till it hath bin two houres in the markett, upon forfeiture
of six shillings, and also what shall bee so brought or sold."
"Any person that buyes or cheapens any Flesh, Fish, Ac, and
coming to the markett, to forefeit six shilling."
" That all the above said provisions — ^as Flesh, Fish, Ac, that
shall be exposed to sayle in any other place then afore appointed,
to be forefeited to the Clarke of the Marketts."
" Ordered, that the Clerke of the Marketts receive for all Cattle
killed for the markett, for each liead one shilling ; for every hogg
or shoate brought or cut out for sayle in the Markett-House, three-
pence ; and for every sheep, calfe, and lamb, two-pence. And for
sealeing of weights and measures one penny a p , both great and
small."
One individual, named Henry Coleman, soon after became insub-
ordinate, when a '^ complaint was made (on the following 9th of
May) by Captain Lockard against Coleman, Butcher, who deuys
any obedience to the Rules and Orders of this Citty." This ap-
pears to have been of so much importance, that a committee was
appointed to *' wait upon His Excellency to acquaint him of the
said complaint."
An addition was made to these laws on the 16th of October fol-
lowing, when it was "Ordered, that no Butcher, on any of the
markett dayes appointed within this Citty, shall sell any meate
under the quantity of a whole quarter of Beefe att a time in any
place but the Markett-House appointed, shall forfeit six shillings ;
one-half to the Clarke of the Markett, the other half for the use
of the Citty." Ten days after, it was further "Ordered, that all
flForfeitures by any Law or order relating to the Markett-House,
half the ffines to goe to the Clarke of the Markett, the other halfe
to the Citty."
Digitized by
Google
BROADWAY SHAMBLES. gl
An additional flesh or meat market being required, on the 15th
of the same month and year it was also *' Ordered, that there be
ivx> markets tor flesh-meat kept; the one in the Broadway over
against the ffort, (* Broadway SliatnbleSy^J the other under the
Trees by the Slipp ; and that the Butchers shall be obliged to keep
flesh in both places; and the Country people shall hviug flesh to
either of the two places, suiting their conveniency" — "to pay noth-
ing for anything they bring in killed" — "and that no butchers'
meat be killed within the City Oates."
The establishment of this new meat market-place, "under the
Trees by the Slipp," had no doubt the effect of reducing the trade
at the "Broadway Shambles;" and in addition, its locality ap-
peared much against it. The city on the East River side, with its
ferry, dock, slips, Weigh and Custom Houses, and City Hall, all
tended to increase the growth and prosperity on that side, and also
in that of the sale of property. Several lots, in 1692, were sold at
'• publick vandeu " along the shore in the " Smith's Vlie," for about
sixty*five dollars per lot; each buyer was bound to "dock out,"
within a specified time.
These lots had been surveyed a few years before by Peter King
and Adolph Pietcrsen, surveyors for the City of New York, when
a warrant had been given to them by the Mayor, which is noticed
the 4th day of May, 1688, as follows : " You are required and com-
manded to survey y* vacant Lande within this Citty near and in
y Dock, beginning from y* Weigh-House to y* Citty Hall, and to
lay y* same out in Lottos of Eighty foot long into the Dock and
about Four and Twenty ffoot broad, leaving sufficient space for
y street, as also to lay out y* street Ranging with y* Here Graft,
(canal in Broad Street J as you shall receive further instructions
from me uppon y* surveying & laying out y* sid Lottes; & for so
doing this shall be your warrant. Given under my hand in New
York, this 15th day of September, A" 1686."— N. Batard, Mayor.
The grounds around the "Broadway Shambles," however, had
the advantage of being occupied several times through the course
of the year with fairs and cattle markets. An act was passed by
the General Assembly, in 1692, " for settling the Fairs and Mar^
kets," of which the following is a part: "That there be kept yearly,
for the City and County of New York, two Fairs at the City of
New York. The first Fair annually, to commence the last Tuesday
of April in ev^ry year, and to end upon the Fryday then next fol-
lowing, being in all four days inclusive, and no longer. And the
second Fair to commence the first Tuesday of November in every
year, and to end on the Fryday then next following, being in all
four dayes inclusive, and no longer."
Digitized by
Google
62 BROADWAT SHAMBLES.
To these "Pairs" and open markets were brought "cattle,
horses, mares, colts, grain, victuals, provisions, and all other neces-
saries, together with all sorts of merchandise, of what nature so-
ever, and them to expose to sale or barter, in gross or by retail,
between the hours of eight of the clock in the morning and sunset
of the same day, without payment of any toll, or any other let,
hinderance, or molestation whatsoever."
The various domestic animals that were brought to the city from
ihe northward had to cross in the ferry-boats or swim, as no bridge
had yet been built across the "Spikendevil" or Harlaem River.
We, however, find, in the month of January, 1693, the "Council"
met to consider the offer of Frederick Phillippse to build a bridge
where Kingsbridge is now located. " They doe find that lit cannot
be well accomplished without a great charge unto this Citty, which
at present they are not soe capable to defray ; and understanding
that Frederick Philips, Esq., will undertake to build a Bridge at
the said place (Spikendevil) for y couveniency of all travellers 4
Drovers of Cattell att a moderate and reasonable Toll, they doe
therefore humbly pray your Excellency, (the Governor,) that if the
said Mr. Philips will undertake in one year's time to build a good
and convenient Drawbridge^ for the passage of all Travellers,
Droves of Cattel, & passage of Carts & Waggons, for the Toll of
one penny ffor each neat Cattel and two-pence for each Man and
Horse, and twelve-pence for each score of Hogs & Sheep, & six-
pence for each cart & waggon that shall pass thereon, that he may
have the preference of their Majesties' Grant."
The bridge appears to have Ideen built soon after, and it became
established as a toll-bridge, and the only bridge connecting the
Island of New York with the main-land for a period of more than
sixty years.
Madame Knight^ in her Journal of 1704, says: "Thursday, De-
cember 21, set out for New Haven with my kinsman, Trowbridge,
and the man that waited on me about one afternoon, and about
three (o^clock, P. M.,) came to half-way house, (which once stood at
the bottom of the hiU on the old middle road, about With Street^ Jc-
ticeen the line of the 5th and 6th Avenues J about ten miles out of
town, where we baited and went forward, and about 5 came to
Spiting DevUy else Kingsbridge, where they pay three-pence for pass-
ing over with a horse, which the man that keeps the gate set up at
the end of the bridge receives. We hoped to reach Frenchtown
(New jRocheUe) and lodge there that night, but unhappily lost our
way about four miles short, and being overtaken by a great storm
of wind and snow which set full in our faces, about dark we were
Digitized by
Google
BROAD>YAY SHAMBLES. 63
Tery nneasy. But meeting one Gardner, who lived in a cottage
thereabout, offered us his fire to set by, having but one poor bedd,
and bis wife not well." She was taken further on, where she obtain-
ed quarters.
At this period, across this Bridge was the only road to Boston,
and that but seldom traveled. The Albany Turnpike had not yet
been opened, and only a few very rough by-roads, which answered
the purpose of a few fanners to reach the North or East River, as
they usually came by water to the city with their produce. How-
ever, some few farmers in the interior, and drovers from Connecti-
cut, with cattle and horses, occasionally passed over it. But at a
later period, when the turnpikes were opened, and traveling on
them became general, occasionally the farmers and drovers would
complain of the many detentions, and " at times the toll was so
variously charged as to become grevious," which no doubt led Jacob
Dyckman, (the grandfather of ez-Alderman Isaac Dyckman,) a
blacksmith, a farmer, and also a tavern-keeper, with several other
public-spirited farmers, in the year 1758, to erect another bridge
across the river near this old one. This new bridge, as appears
from the following communication, was called " Free Bridge Dyck-
man's;"* and then follows on, "Whereas the crossing at Harlaem
River, on the high-road to Boston by Kingsbridge, according to
an established toll, became very changeable and burthensome to
travellers in general, and to the inhabitants of Westchester and
Dutchess Counties in particular : the toll received passing the bridge
being for each carriage, 9d.; each horse and head of cattle, 3d.; and
a man Id. Notice is therefore hereby given that certain public-
spirited persons have lately contributed a large sum of money, and
therewith built a fine new bridge across the said river, a little to the
southward of the said bridge, which shortens the public road about
half a mile ; and the said new bridge is free and exempted for all
toll whatsoever. (Signed) Jacob Dyckman, Jun'r; (dated) Harlaem,
nth November, (1758.)"
The following letter from Benjamin Palmer to Colonel Aaron
Burr, Member of Assembly of the City and County of New York,
in the year 1798, will further explain how this bridge was built, and
its cost : **Sir — I called at your house the day you went to Albany,
but you was gone on your journey. I had a desire to inform you per-
sonally concerning the Free Bridge^ which I built over Harlaem
River.
" Sir, I undertook to raise the money by subscription, and expected
to build it near the old bridge, called King's Bridge; but when I
• N. V. Mercury, December 18, 176a
Digitized by
Google
64 BROADWAY SHAMBLES.
found that Col. Philips had got that right from the Government of
this State, it could not be built in any other place than from Thomas
Vermillia's land, across to Jacob Dyckman's land ; therefore, I took
them into partnership with me to build said bridge. We chose
Walter Briggs (since deceased) to be our treasurer, to receive the
subscription money, and to pay the workmen and other costs arising
from the building said bridge, but there was not money enough by
a considerable sum to finish it, because it took twice as much to
build it in that place as it would where I first proposed ; therefore,
there was not money enough to build said bridge raised by subscrip-
tion. I then paid into the hands of Mr. Briggs, our treasurer, £120
in cash to finish it, and he allowed me £20 14s. for my time, trouble,
and expenses in getting the subscription signed, collecting the money
and attending the building of said bridge, which sum makes £140
14s., according to my petition; which sum I have never been paid,
nor ever received any satisfaction for it.
" Besides this loss, I was twice pressed in one year, as a soldier,
to go to Canada, there then being a war between England and
Prance ; therefore I was obliged to hire two men to go in my place
— the one cost me £5, the other £20, supposed by the people in gen-
eral, as well as myself, to have been the orders of Col. Philips; be-
cause he knew it would stop his bridge from taking toll. Notwith-
standing this, I continued building the/ree bridge until finished.
" Sir — the reason of my writing particularly to you, was because
Mr. John Bartow was acquainted with you — ^he told me that he had
talked to several gentlemen about the building this bridge — they
said it was just that I should be paid ; for it had saved many thou-
sand pounds to the people of this State. He told me if I would
draw up a petition, and send it to the Assembly, he would sign it,
and speak to you, sir, concerning it, and desire you to lay it before
the Honorable the House of Representatives, and speals: in favor
of it, as it was a just debt, and ought to be paid.
" Mr. Bartow further said, he knew it was CoL Philips* interest
in the House to stop the petition from being granted.
" I shall be much obliged to you, sir, if you will lay this petition
before the House, and speak in favor of it, as in your wisdom you
may think fit. Benjamin Palmer."*
The following remarks in relation to it are also interesting:
" When Col. Burr returned from the.Legislature, he told Mr. Palmer
that there were no hopes of ever getting any assistance from the
Legislature for building the above bridge; and told that if Mr.
Palmer would draw up a subscription paper, he would subsoribe to
* N. Y. Gazette, September 6, 1800.
Digitized by
Google
BROADWAY SHAMBLES. 65
it himself; for, that it was not worth his while to petition any more
concerning it; and that, as it was began by subscription, there was
no other way than to finish it by subscription.
"And whereas said bridge was then considered as a grieyous and
heavy tax on the public. The profits went into no public funds, but
only to enhance the private fortune of a particular subject; and also
it was a neat imposition on the public, for said bridge separated the
City and County of New York, and the people from tiie country
from coming into and going from the city — they could neither pass
nor repass, by land, without going over said bridge, paying an ex-
travagant tax or toll. The gates were locked and barred at night,
so that if people's business was ever so urgent, they were obliged to
stand and knock, let the weather be ever so cold or stormy, until a
servant pleased to come and unlock the gate, the house being 12 or
15 rods from it; therefore, Mr. Palmer, on the frequent complaints
of the people, undertook to build a/ree bridge over Harlaem River
by subscription ; and there not being money enough raised to finish
said bridge, Mr. Palmer advanced j£l20 in cash to finish it, besides
his time and trouble, and other expenses. This bridge was finished
in the year 1769.
*' Walter Briggs, who was treasurer, allowed Mr. Palmer £20 14s.
for the purpose above mentioned, which may be seen by Mr. Briggs'
book of accounts — the two sums, with the interests, make upwards
of 1,500 dollars — a sum too great to lay on one man, when we all
had the honor and profit of a/ree bridge^ as well as himself; there-
fore let us consider Mr. Palmer's situation, and do unto him as we
would desire others to do unto us.
** Such gentlemen as can spare a few dollars to make up his loss,
do it freely ; and not say, this bridge was built before we was born.
If nothing for the public good had been built before we were bom,
we should be in a deplorable situation.
" Suppose young people should say, the Independence of these
States was dcNsIared before they were bom, and that they would not
pay the old debts contracted to obtain their independence ; but there
is a law to oblige them to pay. Mr. Palmer has no law to oblige
the people to pay him for freeing them from a grievous and heavy
tax laid on them for passing a toll-bridge, by building a/ree one.
And whereas, it was the first step towards freedom in tiiis State,
and it is hoped the Bons of Freedom will step forward and cast in
their mite ; for it was almost as difScult for Mr. Palmer to get a/ree
bridge in those days, as it was for America to get her freedom and
independence from Oreat Britain.
'' When this/ree bridge was finished, there was a fine fat ox roast-
Vol. I.— 5
Digitized by
Google
66 BROADWAY SHAMBLES.
ed on the Oreen, and thousands from the city and coontrj partook
of the ox, and rejoiced greatly.
" When this/ree bridge was finished, Col. Philips was obliged to
make his a free bridge also ; and it would have continued a toll-
bridge to this day, had it not been for the spirited exertions of Mr.
Palmer."
This free bridge was noticed as having been finished in the year
1759, and the public opening of it was thus announced: " These aie
to acquaint the public, that to-morrow (2d of January, 1759,) the
free bridge erected and built across Harlaem River will be finished
and completed; and on the same day there will be a stately ox
roasted whole on the Green, for and as a small entertainment to the
loyal people who come."*
In the month of April following we find, ''To be let, and entered
upon immediately, the house, farm, and bridge at King's Bridge, in the
manor of Philipsburgh, in the County of Westchester. For particu*
lars inquire of Frederick Phillipse."t
From a petition and report made in the year 1824, a few more
interesting facts are brought forth. The first introduces ''the
bridge formerly called the ' free bridge' across Harlaem River, lead-
ing from New York Island to Westchester, has become much de-
cayed, and in a condition to be dangerous to persons and carriages
passing and repassing over the same.
" The bridge is much used by persons from Westchester, coming
to the New York market, and others, and is highly necessary to be
kept in good order.'' This was dated October 7, 1824, and signed
by Jacobus Dykman, James De Voe, Aaron Post, Henry Post, Denis
Post, Henry Thison, and Benjamin Lynt. In the month of Decem-
ber following, the " Road Committee" reported : " The bridge to be
repaired connects the island of New York with that part of West-
chester County lying on Harlaem River, called the ' Manor of Ford-
ham,' and is a short distance from the mouth of 'Spyt den Duyvel'
Creek, through which the waters of said river flow into the Hudson.
" This bridge was erected about sixty years ago by individual
subscription, to avoid the unjust exactions of the proprietcrs of
Eingsbridge. But during our struggle for independence it was de-
stroyed by the enemy to prevent the passage of the American Army
across the river; the passage of the other bridge being defended by
a redoubt. Ten or twelve years since, however, the inhabitants in
its vicinity raised another subscription and rebuilt it, at an expense^
as your Committee are informed, of about one thousand doUars^ and
have kept it in repair at their own cost, excepting the appropria*
• N. Y. Metcoiy. t Gasette, April 9.
Digitized by
Google
BROADWAY SHAMBLES. 67
tions made hj this Board three or four years ago of two handred
dollars, twenty of which remain unexpended. It is now in snch a
state of decay that it cannot be passed without great danger, and
humanity at least requires that it should be immediately and sub*
stantially repaired, or that it should be entirely removed, that the
safety of trayelers who do not know its situation may not be en-
dangered. It is Tirtually the property of the corporation, as the
sovereignty of that body over Harlaem River to low-water mark on
the northern or Westchester side of it has never been disputed."
** Your Committee are informed that there is considerable trav-
eling over this bridge; that the inhabitants of a large district of
Westchester County pass it with produce for our market ; if so, may
it not in time be productive of the most beneficial effects, by reducing
the price of such vegetables as come daily to our city? For it can-
not be denied that a toll-bridge is a tax on all the produce which
passes over it, which the consumer has to pay; if, therefore, the
produce which crosses Harlaem River, and reaches our market by
land, can toll free, it could be afforded and would be sold at a less
price than it now is." '* The Committee recommend the appropria-
tion of two hundred and eighty dollars to assist to rebuild in a safe
and substantial manner the aforesaid bridge, and to keep the same
in repair for the space of seven years."
Returning to the latter part of the sixteenth century, we find the
inhabitants rather a mixed people ; some doing illy and some well,
bot the Dutch Burghers had the credit of being the most industrious
and proitperous. Charles Lodowicke, in a letter to his uncle, Mr.
FrancU Lodowicke. dated May 20, 1692, says, "Our chicfest unhappy-
ness here is too great a mixture of nations, and y* English y least
part; jT French protestants have in y" late King's Reign resorted
hither in great nn(m)bers proportionately to y« other nations' in-
habitants. Y'* Dutch generally y^ mostfrugall and laborious, and
consequently y^" richest; whereas most of y« English are y contrary,
especially y*^ trading part."
'* Most sorts of European animalls thrive here very well, tho' j^
country before y- discovery was not known to have produced any
of those usual sorts of Beasts, as Horses, Cows, Sheep, Hojrgs, or
Ooats; Sheep would increase here and do very much. English or
clover grass agreeing very well with y^ land, yet y^" stature of
y^ cattle seem rather to decrease here, w^^ might doubtless in a
great measure be helpt by care and good husbandry. An Ox shall
ordinarily weigh here six hundred weight, rarely one thousand."
"^▲11 sorts of Cattle are now in abundance and increase dayly : a
Hor^ is sold from 2 to 6 pound, an Ox or Cow from 2 to 5 pound,
this country money, ir^^ is 25 per cent, worse than sterling."
Digitized by
Googk
(}g BROADWAY SHAMBLES.
The General Aeeembly, however, in the following year, regnlated
the price of slaves, domestic animals, and other property, in the fol*
lowing terms: *' Resolved^ 1. That all negro and Indian slaves, from
twelve years old to sixty, be valued at twelve ponnds per head.
'* 2. That all horses and neat cattle, from three years old and up-
wards, be valued at thirty shillings per head.
" 3. That all sheep and goats, from one year old and upwards, be
valued at three shillings per head.
'* 4. That all hogs, from half a year old and upwards, be valued
at three shillings per head.
" 5. That all lands, meadows, and houses, throughout this prov-
ince, shall be valued according to the yearly income of the same."*
On the 25th of September, 1694, the Broadway Shambles, in the
Broadway, were ordered " to be lett to Farme unto Henry Crosby,
of this City, Butcher ^ for the term of seven years, att one pound
per annum, upon condition that he put the house in good repair, and
soe to maintain and give up the house att the expiration of the
term aforesaid."t The next year Crosby sought and procured a
better bargain from the Common Council, as appears on the 19th of
June, 1695. " Upon the humble request of Henry Crosby, y* Butch*
er in the Broadway, that the Citty would be pleased to grant him
liberty to fence in a small piece of ground, the breadth of his shop,
and about fourteen or fifteen feet long, for the keeping of sheep and
for slaughter, which was granted."
Crosby's lease expired, when a committee was ordered, on the
3d September, 1702, '' to lett to Farme the old market-house in
Broadway, not exceeding the term of five years." This term it
changed hands, for I find it in the possession of *' Jeremiah Calcutt,
of this city, butcher," at the expiration of the term, who afterwards,
on the 29th September, 1703, had influence enough in the Common
Council to be appointed " High Constable." Whether he was ap-
pointed for ^iciency, or from political favor, or whether it was
necessary to/ee-e(2 the whole of the Common Council, (which at that
period included the Mayor,) before the important office could be ob-
tained, is not now known ; although, if the latter, the expenses for
a ''grmdfeedr or feast, would not now be considered a large sum ;
but at that period, however, when a grand dinner was given, or oiv
dered for the Common Council, every item was afterwards made
out in the bill, of which the following is a specimen :
''An account of Richard Harris, against the Mayor, Aldermen,
Ac, Dr. Dated December 19, 1704.
'^To a piece of beef and cabbage, • - - - £0 7 6
* Joomal of Aflsembly, roL L, p. 87. f ^^ Becocda.
Digitized by
Google
BROADWAY SHAMBLES.
69
To a dish of tripe and oow heel,
To a 1^ of pork and turnips,
To 2 puddings,
To a surloyn of beef.
To a turkey and onions,
To a 1^ of matton and pickles.
To a dish of chickens.
To minced pycs, -
To fine cheese, bread, Ac,
To batter for sance.
To hire of two negroes, to assist,
To dressing dinner, Ac,
To 81 bottles of wine,
To beer and syder.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
3
0
6 0
8 3
14 6
13 6
9 0
6 0
10 6
4 0
7
7
6
4
2
12
£10 18 6"
The above was considered an enormous hiB, but after considering
the large number of items, " it was allowed." The ivine item ap-
pears very heavy, but in those days it was a custom to prepare
largely of liquid stimulants, in the event of a victory, birth-days, or
even the ** making of vendues." When the " great victory over the
Spanish and French fleets at Vigo" was celebrated, a few years be-
fore, it ^a *' Ordered that a public bonfire be made, and ten gallons
of wine Vd a barrel of beer provided, and all the houses to be illu-
minated."
At this period, Madame Knight, a Boston lady, made a journey
to this city on horseback, and in her '* JoumaH she notices many
interesting customs, fashions, Ac, of the citizens on certain occa-
sions. She says: "They are not strict in keeping the Sabbath as
in Boston and other places where I had been, but seem to deal with
great exactness, as far as I see or deal with.
*" They are sociable to one another, and courteous and civil to
strangers, and fare well in their houses.
" The English go very fashionable in their dress ; but the Dutch,
especially the middling sort, differ from our women, in their habit
go loose, wear French muches, which are like a cap, and a head-band
in one, leaving their ears bare, which are set out with jewels of a
large size, and many in number. And their fingers hoop't with
rings, some with large stones in them of many colors; as were their
pendants in their ears, which you should see very old women wear as
well as young.
*• They have vendues very frequently, and make their earnings
very well by them, for they treat with good liquor liberally, and
Digitized by
Google
70 CUSTOK-HOUSE BRIDGE MARKET.
the customers drink as liberally, and generally pay for 't as well, by
paying for that which they bid up briskly for, after the sacklkBS gone
plentifully about, tho' sometimes good penny worth are got there*
" Their diversion in the winter is riding sleys about three miles
out of town, where they have houses of entertainment at a place
called the Botvery; and some go to friends' houses, who handsomely
treat them. Mr. Borroughs carry'd his spause and daughter and
myself out to one Madame Dowes', a gentlewoman that lived at a
farm-house, who gave us entertainment of five or six dishes, and
choice beer and metheglin, cyder, &c., all which she said was the
produce of her farm.
" I believe we met 50 or 60 slays that day ; they fly with great
swiftness, and some are so furious that they'le turn out of the path
for none except a loaden cart. Nor do they ^pare for any diversion
the place affords, and sociable to a degree, theyr tables being as
free to their neighbours as to themselves." We must, however,
take leave of these happy people, and at a later period again refer
to them or their generations.
On the 28th of October, 1707, a " resolution passed, that the
butcher's shop in the Broadway now in the occupation of Jeremiah
Calcutt be demolished and pulled down, and that the said Jeremiah
Calcutt have liberty to convert the materials thereof to his own
use, by the Mayor's lysense, he producing his lease thereof to the
Mayor."* It was soon after taken down, but no doubt^e plaoe
was held as a market-place for fairs and the like for many years
after, as I find, in 1720, '' the old market-place in the Broadway be
and are hereby held as a public market-place, until further orders."
CUSTOM-HOUSE BRIDGE MARKET.
1675. In the year 1675, a General Court of Assize was held in
this city, " beginning on the 6th and ending on the 13th day of Oc-
tober," when, among other proceedings, " a weekly markett " was
ordered to be held, and "a fitt house to be built by the water-side,"
near where the "Marke^Place at the Strand" had been formerly
held. This was soon followed by a proclamation from Governor
Andross, which came before the Common Council on the 29th of
January of the following year, and read as follows: "Whereas, as
a weekly markett in this citty hath beene thought necessary for the
* City Reooida.
Digitized by
Google
CUSTOMHOUSE BRIDGE MARKET. 71
oonyenience, good, and welfare of the inhabitants and neighbour-
hood, for wh<^b a fitt house being now built by the water-side, neare
the Bridge and Weigh-House, I have, by the advice of my Councell
and Gort of Mayor and Aldermen, resolved and ordered, and doe
hereby publish the said markett to begine on Saturday, the 24th of
March next ensuinge, in the afores^ house, and soe every Saturday
foUowinge, for the space of three yeares.^^*
The location of this ''Jitt house by the water-side, neare the
Bridge and Weigh-House," stood about where the corner of Pearl
and Moore Streets now meet; and no doubt, when it was erected,
the business which came to the "Marke^Place at the Strand" was
removed into it. It appeared to accommodate the country people
and Indians, who came by water with poultry, fish, butter, cheese,
Ac; while those who brought ''flesh-meat" went up the canal in
Broad Street, to the Marketfield Street, and so across into the
^ Broadway Shambles."
About this period, the Rev. Mr. Wooley, in his Journal, notices
the Indians, with their swift canoes : '' In which they bring oysters
and other fish for the market; they are so light and portable, that
a man and his squaw will take them upon their sholders and carry
them by land from one river to another, with a wonderful expedi-
tion; they will venture with them in a dangerous current, even
through Hell-gate itself, which lies in an arm of the sea, about ten
miles from New York eastward to New England, as dangerous and
as accountable as the Norway whirlpool cr maelstrom: in this
Hell-gate, which is a narrow passage, runneth a rapid, violent
stream, both upon flood and ebb ; and in the middle lieth some isl-
ands of rocks, upon which the current sets so violently, that it
threatens present shipwrack; and upon the flood is a large whirl-
pool, which sends forth a continual hedious roaring; it is a place
of great defence against an enemy coming that way, which a small
fortification would absolutely prevent, by forcing them to come in at
the west end of Long Island by Sandy Hook, where Nutien Island f
would force them within the command of the fort of New York."
Mr. Wooley, in another part of his Journal, says: "The City of
New York in my time (1678-9) was as large as some market towns
with OS, all built the London way ; the Garrison side of a high situ-
ation and a pleasant prospect ; the Island it stands on all a level
and champain ; the diversion especially in the winter season used
* Oltj Records.
(t TbU evidenoe would lead us to suppose that there could not have been much of a
cfaaooel, even at that period, between Red Hook and Nutten or Governor's Island, and
Ytrj likely some filty jetn before, as noUoed on page 15, had been in the state as there
ftprfscnted.)
Digitized by
Google
72 CUSTOM-HOUSE BRIDGE MARKET.
by the Dutch is aurigation, t. e., riding about in wagons, which to
allowed by physicians to be a very hoalthfal exercise by Land. And
upon the Ice it's admirable to see Men and Women as it were flying
upon their Skates from place to place, with markets upon Uieir
Heads and Backs."
He further says: "All Commodities and Trades are dearer or
cheaper according to the plenty of importation;" and ''for what I
had occasion, some things were reasonable, some dear. I paid for
two loads of Oats in the straw 18 shillings to one Henry Dyer; to
the same, for a Load of Pease-straw, six shillings ; paid to Thomas
Davis, for shooing my Horse, three shillings, for in that place
Horses are seldom, some not shod at all, their Hoofs, by running
in the woods so long before they are backed, are like flints: Paid
to Derick, t. e., Richard Secah's Son, for a Load of Hay, twelve
shillings ; Paid to Denys Fisher's Son, a Carpenter, for two days'
work in the Stable, eight shillings ; for a Curry-Comb and Horse-
brush, four shillings; to Jonathan, the Barber, XI 4b. the year; to
the Shoo-maker, for a pair of Boots and Shooes, £1 Ss.; to the
Washerwoman or Laundress, JGI 5s. 6d. the year."
Of the inhabitants he says, '' Both English and Dutch (are) very
civil and courteous, as I may speak by experience, amongst whom I
have often wished myself and family, to whose tables I was fre-
quently invited, and always concluded with a generous bottle of
Madera. I cannot say I observed any swearing or quarrelling, but
what was easily reconciled and recanted by a mild rebuke, except
once betwixt two Dutch Boors, (whose usual oath is sacrament,)
which, abateing the abusive language, was no unpleasant scene.
As soon as they met, (which was after they had alarm'd the neigh-
bourhood,) they seized each other's hair with their forefeet, and
down thtgr went to the sod, their vrows and families crying out be-
cause they could not part them ; which fray happening against my
chamber window, I called up one of my acquaintance, and ordered
him to fetch a kit full of water and discharge it at them, which in^-
mediately cool'd their courage, and loosed their grapples; so we
used to part our mastiffs in England. In the same City of New
York, when I was Minister to the English, there were two other
Ministers, or Domines, as they were called there, the one a Lutheran,
a German or High Dutch ; the other, a Calvinist, was Hollander or
Low Dutchman, who behav'd themselves one towards another so
shily and uncharitably as if Luther and Calvin had bequeathed
and entailed their virulent and bigotted spirits upon them and their
heirs forever. They had not visited or spoken to each other with
any respect for six years together before my being there, with whom
Digitized by
Google
GUSTOM-HOUSE BRIDGE MARKET. 73
I being much acquainted, I invited them both, with their vrows, to
a supper one night unknown to each other, with an obligation that
ihej should not speak one word in Dutch, under the penalty of a
bottle of Medara, alledging I was so imperfect in that language that
we could not manage a sociable discourse ; so accordingly they came,
and at the first interview they stood so appaled as if the ghosts of
Luther and Calvin had suffered a transmigration, but the amaze soon
went off with a salve tu quoqne, and a bottle of wine, of which the
Calvinist Domine was a true carouser, and so we continued our Men-
salta the whole meeting in Latine, which they both spoke so fluently
and promptly, that I blush'd at myself with a passionate regret that
I could not keep pace with them."
The growth of the city had at the end of three years so much in-
creased, that it seemed to demand more than one market-day ; and
as this (Saturday) was about to expire, according to the order of the
24th of March, 1675, it was necessary to renew it, and also to ap-
point another day ; which, however, did not take place until the 9th
of March, 1679-^80, when "for ye better supply of y« Cy tie"— with
provisions and other necessaries — ^"from this day forward another
market extraordinary shall be kept every week, weekly, on Wednes-
day, att ye usual market-place, neere y® Bridge and Weigh-House."*
The population two years after is shown to have been about 2,000
whites, besides negroes and slaves; number of houses 207, besides
bams and sheds.
The market regulations in existence (prior to 1688) did not an-
swer altogether, or were not rigid enough to meet forestallers and
sellers of unsound meats, to provide in what manner certain articles
should be sold, Ac, which this increased and mixed population
would seem to have demanded. The city, however, was soon after-
wards supplied with such laws, which were ordained and enacted on
the 15th of March, 1688; part of them read as follows: *' That fish,
butter, cheese, eggs, poultry, fruit, roots, and herbs may be sold
every day in the week at any time, in the market or other conven-
ient places."
" That no person shall forstal any provision or victuals coming to
the markett, as to buy in any private or other place than the mar-
kett, under pain of forfeiture of the same, whether it be found in the
hands of buyer or seller.
^ No person shall engross any provision or victuals which is in
the market, or by the market, to retail there again, especially such
as be known for Hucksters, Butchers, or other people occupjring
fhcir living by such provisions or victuals as they shall so engrossi
under j^ain of such provisions and victuals so engrossed.
* City RecordB.
Digitized by
Google
74 CUSTOM-HOUSE BRIDGE MARKET.
" No butter, cheese, or other provisions sold by weight, shall be
sold but according to the weight established.
" No Huckster shall engross any poultry, eggs, or fresh butter
coming to the market, ^der pain of forty shillings.
'' No unwholesome or stale victuals shall be sold in the market,
under the pain of forty shillings.
" No blown meat or leprous swine shall be sold, under the pain
of forfeiture the same and forty shillings.
" That there be a person appointed by the Mayor and Aldermen
to be Clerk of the Market, who is to take care that the above orders
arc duly observed and prevent defaults, and set out and appoint con-
venient boarths, stales and standings for all persons that come to the
market, shall not be put in execution until the week after Easter,
when the same is to be duly observed and kept."
In the repairs of this market-house, in 1683, 1 find from a report
that " 1,500 (feet) of inch oak plank, 16 feet (in length,) cost £5 5."
This "fitt market-house" had not been used quite ten years when
Governor Dongon ordered the removal of this marketrplace; which
subject came before the Council held on the 24th of May, 1684:
" Mr. John Tudor, bringing a message from the Governor, desiring
that the market may be removed from the place where itt is now
kept, to the vacant ground before the Fort, and that the authorities
would order the same to be done accordingly.'' ^' That from hence-
forward the market for butchers' meat bo held in the same place
(Broadway Shambles) according, they erecting their scales and other
conveniences at their own charge."
The removal of this market-place from the " Bridge and Weigh-
House" no doubt was caused by the accumulation of business at this
place. The laws had granted them the privilege to hold market-
days every day of the week ; this, and the shipping and the receiving
of goods, all took place on and around the Dock, Bridge, and through
the * Weigh-House,' and * 12d. per ton bridge money' was exacted
on all merchandise exported or imported."*
Although the market-place was removed, yet the "fitt market-
house" was not; but in 1687 it was "Ordered that the market-house
of the city be employed as a warehouse for goods ; each ton or cask
paying 9 pence for 24 hours, and the Mayor appoint a fit person to
keep the same, who shall have half of the profit for his services."
Accordingly, on the 26th February following, (1688,) Anthony De-
milt was ordered to "keepe y^ key of y« market-house until the 25th
day of March," and the allowed fees, which in addition "for every
half bar^" be collected " two stivers wampum for y® use of y« city."
•PiotoreofN.Y.
Digitized by
Google
CUSTOM-HOUSE BRIDGE MARKET. 75
At the expiration of the term, he was again appointed to this im-
portant office " until further order."
On the 16th of March, in the year 1689, the Common Council
agreed with Captain John Tudor "for a place to build a shop in the
market'kouae for the term of three years, for the sum of forty shillings
per annum." Then, on the 30th inst., " Oeorge Brown hath hired a
lott for a shop in the fnarhet-hotise for the same time at £2 10, and
another lott was lett to Peter Panbumge at £3, to be paid quarterly."
The Mayor made a report on the 24th April, 1691, "that he hath
lett out the shop in the marhet'hotcae to one John Ellison for three
pounds ten shillings per annum, to be payed quarterly, and he to re-
ceive the same att his owne charge, a pair of hinges for the door,
onley accepted." On the 18th of IJpbruary, in the year 1692, a com-
mittee was appointed to " lett it out, what is to be lett thereoff."
Next we find it with an additional name, from the proceedings on
the 15th March, 1694 : " The markei-AmLse or store^house (no doubt the
whole) at the Bridge was let to John Elli8on,cittyjoyner, ^carpen^,^
for the space of five years, from the first of May next, for the sum
of sixteen pounds per annum ; he having permission to build an ad-
dition of ten feet in breadth, with chimney — ^part of the market-^houee
to be used as a store-house for merchants."
Ellison's lease expired in the year 1699; he, however, on the
20th of September, agreed with the Authorities to " put up a house
of brick and stone, two stories high, in the room and on the ground ;
the old market-house stands to have a lease of twenty-one years;"
but I find the inhabitants enter a protest against giving " the pos-
session of a lease to John Ellison for the market-house at the * Cus-
tom-House Bridge,' until such time they are heard;" and there ap-
peared two parties who wished that privilege ; one to build a market-
house, and the other a place for the meeting of merchants.
The first was before the Board on the 16th October of that year,
" praying that they have liberty to make and erect a publick market-
house for the ornament and benefit of y^ Citty, on y® ground whereon
j^ old market-house stands on which John Ellison lives ; he, the said
John Ellison, having relinquished his agreement with j^ Citty."
The other, signed by some eighty-three inhabitants of the South
Ward, states, " That whereas Sir Edmund Andross, Ent., late Gov-
ernor of this province, did order a certain building to be erected
near the Bridge in this city, which has since been called the market"
house; and whereas your petitioners have been informed that the
same was by this Board to be let out for some term of years to one
Mr. Ellison, on condition to erect a new building on the same ground,
and pay as a rent twdve pounds a year to the City:
Digitized by
Google
7e CUSTOM-HOUSE BRIDGE MARKET.
"Your petitioners therefore humbly pray that the said agreement
may be quashed, and that the same ground may be allowed to yoor
petitioners for the use of this City, they offering to erect there a
convenient place for the meeting of merchants^ on their own cost and
charges; it being a very convenient place for the same, being nigh
the Custom-House, and will be of ornament to the City, and also
pay ttodve pounds a year to the City, they having the benefit of the
store*money of merchants' goods allowed them," &c. A committee
was ordered " to consult with the inhabitants of the South Ward
what building they propose to make on the premises, and what yearly
rent they will pay for the same, and make report thereof to the
next Common Council.''
This report was not made unt^ the 19th of February, 1700, when
it was " Ordered, that y« said market-house be granted to y« (South)
Ward for the terme of fifty years, they, the said Inhabitants, in ten
years' time, erecting a publick building according to the moddell
exhibited to this Courte; they yielding the yearly rent of twelve
pounds, and keeping and delivering the same in good repair att
the expiration of the said term of fifty years."
It appears, by this order, the inhabitants were not immediately
bound to erect this public building, but were allowed ten years to
do so ; and our old friend, John Ellison, a few years after, turned
his attention to *' catching porpoises," as his petition sets forth,
'' that he has been at great charge in inventing a method to catch
porpoises," and wishes encouragement for the same, which was not
given him by the Board.
The old marketrhouse had been, many of its former years, used as
a '^ store-house and shops," and lost its reputation as a public mar-
ket-place ; others, also, had been in the mean time established ; the
inhabitants around it felt anxious to restore its trade back again,
and applied to the authorities to assist them, who, on the 80th June,
1701, ^'Besclved, That the old market-house near the Castom-House
Bridge be forever hereafter appropriated for a publick {narkct-house,
for the benefit and conveniency of all persons that should resort
thereunto, in as full and ample manner as any other market-house
or market-place within this city now is, or lawfully ought to be."
In 1703, it appeared to have needed some repairs, as, on the 29th
of November, " ten pounds is appropriated for the covering of the
market-house by the Custom-House Bridge." So it stood until the
2d November, 1708, when the sheds or "shops" on the sides had
become useless, and it was "ordered that the inhabitants have lib-
erty to pull down the boards about the marke^house by the Cus-
tom-House Bridge, and that Alderman Thong dispose of the same.^
Digitized by
Google
BROAD STREET MARKET. 77
He reported, on the 1st February following, " that he had sold the
boards for one pound, three shillings and sixpence; whereof he ex-
pended for thirty-four loads of sand, and for a laborer for mending
the street near the Custom-House, eighteen shillings and one penny
half-penny/'
It then rested quietly until the 16th of November, 1720, when it
was presented as a public nuisance, and the Common Council gave
permission to the inhabitants, or rather to " have liberty to remove
the old market-house near the Custom-House to a more convenient
place near the water-side, at their own cost, provided they do the
same within ten days; if not, the said marketrhouse will be pulled
down, according to an order of the Supreme Court." Thus was
disposed of the old market-house, which I have designated " the
Cudom-Houae Bridge Market.^'
BROAD STREET MARKET.
1691. I HAVE designated the first market-house built in Broad
Street with the above title, there having been several market-houses
and market-places establidied at various intervals in that street.
The first notice we have of this market-place is found in the pro-
ceedings of the Common Council, July 9, 1691, in which '' Captain
William Merritt, Mr. Johannes Kipp, Captain Brandt Schuyler, and
Mr. Tennis de Kay are appointed a Committee to build a market-
house att the end of Heere-graft (Broad) Street, for all but Butch-
ers' meat." This market-house was finished, as is shown from the
following instructions, given to a committee, on the 18th of Febru-
ary, 1692, ''for the letting the new Marke^House over against
Anthony Farmer's, which said new market-house is allowed to be
made shambles, (HaUa/or butchers^ mecUJ or any otherwise."
"Anthony Farmer's" appears to have been located aver or on the
east side of the Heere-Grafb, (canal in Broad Street,) near the
present Water Street, near what was then known as the ''Little
Bridge."
The Laws and Ordinances in 1702 say, "That there be three
market-days, one whereof be at the 'Little Bridge' by the dock."
In the month of March, 1704, "Two pairs of staifs be made in
the Dock on each side of the 'Little Bridge;'" "and that two
posts be put up in the 'market-house' by the Great Bridge, (' Cu&^
Digitized by
Google
78 BROAD STREET MARKET.
tom-House Bridge Market,^) in order to keep out the cows," Then,
in the month of June, 1705, it was ordered that '*the street front-
ing the Dock, between the ' Great and Little Bridges/ the south end
of Broad Street to the Little Bridge, on both sides of the (canal)
way," should be paved.
At this early period, just about this market-house appeared
rather a favorite place for the merchants and traders; it being so
nearly located to the " Great Bridge," Dock, and Custom-House on
the one side, where all goods of every character were exported
and imported for the city ; and on the other side, the '* Coenties
Slip (Fish J Market" and the old City Hall, which had now been
given up by the authorities, and sold, a few years previous, (1699,)
to one John Rodman, a merchant, for the sum of £920 ; and another
at the head of this (Broad) street, in Wall Street, had been erected
in the year 1700.
These attractions gave an idea to a prominent individual, named
Cornelius Sebring, who lived opposite, on the Long Island shore, to
petition to the Governor, on the 23d January, 1708, for an addi-
tional ferry. He stated, he "stands possessed of a certain farm on
the Island of Nassau, directly over against the centre of the City
of New York, being a most fit and convenient place for beiug a
ferry to and from the said city;" "and can be of no hurt or dam-
mage to the (M ferry, it being not so convenient for that ferry to
send their boats to the south end and centre of the city, where he
proposes to send his." "To be limited on the Island of Nassau on
the one side of the old ferry, and on the other side by the Red
Hook ; and on the side of New York between the (Old) Slip, at
Captain Theobald's, unto the * Great Bridge,' for the loading and
landing of all persons, goods, wares, and merchandise, except cattle,
to be landed at or near the alaughter-howsea ; (nevertheless, not ex-
cluding the old ferry-boat from the places aforesaid.")
The Corporation remonstrate against the granting of this peti-
tion, and state that this ferry "hath been commonly esteemed A re-
puted for seaventy years past to extend from a heap of Rock Stones
gathered together on a small wharfe or landing Bridge near the
Perry-House on the said Island." "That some private persons, for
their own Lucre and gain, have solicited your Excellency for an-
other Ferry on the said Island fronting to this City, which, if
Granted, would be of great damage to this Corporation, and all tlie
Inhabitants thereof." "And also, that your Excellency would be
further pleased to order unto the petitioners & their successors her
Migesty's Grant of Confirmation for the said Ferry on both sides
of the said River, with power to Establish one or more Ferrys, if
Digitized by
Google
BROAD STREET MARKET. 79
there shall be occasion, Ac."* Their remonstrance was granted,
which denied the petition of Mr. Sebring.
This "old ferry," (says Mr. Valentine,) "from the earliest settle-
ment, and for many years afterwards, was from the present landing
on the Brooklyn side, at Fulton Ferry, to the nearest point on this
island^ which was at the present Peck Slip."
The Records inform m that on the 28th of February, 1683, "Mr.
William Merritt beeing sent ffor, and discoursed about the fferry too
Long Island ; offered, iff he might have the same ffor twenty years,
too give twenty pound pr annum, and to mayke houses on each syde,
and have two Boats ffor cattle and horses, and two Boats ffor pas-
sengers ; and too carry cattle and horses att 6 sciple p^ head, men at
1 sciple, and come att 1 sciple p^ bagg; wheat 3 sciples."
A committee was appointed " too drawe upp suitable orders ffor
the future management and accomodacon thereof, and the rates
and prises, and too lett the sayme ffor terms off years, by advise and
eonsente off the Mayor, reservinge a Rente too be annually payde bye
quarterly payments ffor the publique use off the Citty."
It appears, however, that no regular ferry-house and other neces-
sary accommodations had been prepared until the year 1698, when
the conditions were made known in again farming or leasing it for
a period of five years, beginning from the 25th of March of the above
year, (1698.)
These conditions read in the third section : " That y« said farmer
shall provide and maintain two great Boats or Scows for y« carry-
ing and transporting of cattle, corne, &c. ; and two small Boats suf-
ficient for y*^ carrying of passengers, and that the great Boats shall
be kept one on each side of the river, Ac. ; the small Boats y^ like-
wise constantly going to and fro, but not both to remaine on the
same side of y^ River att any time, and also to keep good and able
men to Row in the said Boats, who shall give their constant attend-
ance, and be ready att all times according to form and custom."
They shall " keep and maintain one sufficient pound for security
of cattle to be transported to and from the Citty of New York, and
when delivered at y^ Ferry to take charge thereof, and to find all
Roapes & other necessaries." Section 5th says: "That the Mayor,
Ac., within the first year of y« said lease, shall cause to be erected
and built at y« Ferry, on Nassau Island, a good sufficient house of
stone and brick, of two stories high, fourty fdbt in length, and twenty-
four foot in breadth, for y« accommodation & conveniency of y«
p<>rsons that farmeth y« said Ferry. And the farmer to keep it a
Public House of entertainment."
• Doc Hist of N. Y., voL !IL, p. 421
Digitized by
Google
80 BROAD STREET* MARKET.
The ferriage rates were fixed as follows: "Every single person
to pay for going over eight stivers in wampnm, or a silver two-
pence. Each person in company fewer (4) stivers in wampnm, or a
silver penny — if after sonsett, double ferriage. Each horse or beast
single, one shilling; in company, nine-pence. Each colt or calfe,
three-pence. Each hog, eight stivers in wampum, or a silver two-
pence. Each sheep, four stivers wampum, or a silver penny/' &^.
This ferry was ordered to be sold or " demised to y^ fairest bidder.^
From the above we perceive the cattle that crossed the ferry were
landed at or near the " Slaughter-Houses," (previously noticed,) then
located above Wall Street on the East River shore ; as shown in a
survey made of the north side of Wall Street in 1686, they " Have
laid out y« northeast side, of Wall Street, beginning at y^ wester-
most corner of y^ Butchers' Pen," the yard belonging to the Slaughter-
Houses; and tiiey are also so put down on the Bev. John Miller's
plan of New York, printed in 1695.
This " public institution," or the slaughtering part, was ordered, on
the 23d June, 1696, to be removed, and " no butcher or other person
whatsoever doe slaughter any cattle of any kind, after y« seventh
day of July next." Captain Ebenezer Willson having previously
{May 11) petitioned "for a grant for some land from the street to
low-water mark on y® west side of y® house of Thomas Hooks for
j^ building of a Slaughter-House," which was granted to him for
" thirty years, and that y« surveyors lay out y« same.** This loca-
tion appears to have been " fronting to the East River at the east
end of Queen {Pearl) Street," near the present Peck Slip. This fact,
however, is more fully shown from the report on the petition of John
Kelly, before the Common Council, October 11, 1720, in which he
states:
'* That the petitioner hath lately purchased from Richard Sarkett
three water lotts contiguous, seventy-four foot wide, convenient for
the present for the situacon of a Slaughter-House for Cattle. That
the places where the two slaughter-houses of this City are now sit-
uated, by the increase of buildings & the number of inhabitants, are
not only become offensive to the inhabitants, but dangerous to them
and their children, being exposed often to the danger of mad oxen
and doggs.
'' That the three lotts of this petitioner are likewise convenient for
the landing of Black Cattle by the Ferryman from the Island of
Nassau, and that the petitioner is willing, at his own private charge,
to erect and build upon his said lotts such convenient Sloughter-
House as may serve all the Butchers of this Corporation, provided
he may have a grant for the same for a reasonable term of years
Digitized by
Google
BROAD STREET MARKET. 81
Without increasing of the ffees." This was referred to a Committee
consisting of Aldermen Andrew Marschalk, Jacobus Kip, John
Roosevelt, John Cruger, and Philip Gortlandt, who reported on the
following 3d December, *' That wee find the said allegations to be
tme, and are humbly of opinion that the present Sloughter-Houses
fronting the East River at the east end of Queen (Pearl) Street in
the East Ward of this City, now or late belonging to the Widdow
Cortlandt and Johannes Beekman, are becom a publick nuisance,
and ought in a short time to be removed, in order more convenient
and ornamental buildings may be erected there, and in that neigh-
borhood, which now are retarded by occasion of the said Sloughter-
Houses.
" We are also humbly of opinion that the place proposed by the
petitioner, John Kelly, for the erecting Public Sloughter-Houses and
Penn upon the East River of this City, a little to the westward of
the now dwelling-house of Mr. John Deane in the said East Ward,
is a convenient place for that use and service, being the freehold of
the said John Kelly, and that the petitioner ought to have a grant
to him, his heirs, executors, and administrators, for the erecting of
t/iree or more substantial and convenient Publick Sloughter-Houses
at the place aforesaid, at his own proper cost, charge and expense,
at which all persons whatsoever shall and may sloughter their neat
cattle, paying to the said John Kelly or his assigns one shilling or
the tongue of each neat cattle so sloughtered for the use of the said
Sloughter-Houses and Penn & convenience for sloughtering the same
in full of all fees, dues, and demands for so doing.''
They further say, that the said grant " ought to be for the term of
twenty-one years;" also "to be restrained from farming" the same
" to any butcher whatsoever during this term ;" also " to inclose a suffi-
cient quantity of ground for a publick Penn or Pinfold, sufficient to
hold and secure all neat cattle that shall or may be brought there-
unto in order to be sloughtered at the said Sloughter-Houses, and
shall and will supply, furnish & provide all necessary ropes, trees, and
tackle suitable and convenient for the well and easy sloughtering and
hanging up all cattle ;" also to keep all " in good and sufficient re-
pair, plight, and condition — well and sufficiently scoured & claused.'*
To have them all built and regulated " on or before the first day
of October next ;" " the same shall be deemed & esteemed the Pub-
lick Sloughter-House of the said City of New York, & that no other
Sloughter-Houses from thence forward shall be built & erected on
the East River during the said term."
Perhaps these few facts in relation to the "Sloughter-Houses" of
the olden time will not be so acceptable to the reader as some more
Vol. I.— 6
Digitized by
Google
82 BROAD STREET MARKET.
interesting subjects. My answer is, they were public institations —
built and conducted for more than a century and a half by some of
the first men of that day, sereral of whom have given their names
to certain public streets, as Cortlandt, Bcekman, Bayard, Ac. ; and
withal, they are noticed or marked down on many of the early maps
of the City in the most prominent form ; and if they are an eye-sore
or an evil, they are a necessary one, where people will be carnivorous.
A complaint was made against the ferry-master five years after,
(1726,) through a petition, by a butcher named William Weblin, in
which he states, " That he has received many abuses of late firom
James Harding, the ferryman, not only by abusive words, but several
times by his carelessness has had his creatures destroyed and killed
in bringing from the ferry to New York ; the particulars of which
woulil be too tedious to trouble this Honorable Court with all, and
therefore your petitioner will confine himself to what has been trans-
acted by said Mr. Harding, since the 26th of this instant month of
July, on which day, about noon, your petitioner had ttvo cattle brought
to the ferry, and put into the common pen or yard where cattle al-
ways use to be put, in order to be brought over to the Slaughter-
House in New York ; on which day, in the afternoon, your petitioner
went over to said Harding, and treated him handsomely, and pray^
him to bring said two cattle over by the first opportunity, which be
said should be done ; but said cattle not beijug brought over accord-
ing to expectation, onFryday, the 28th instant, your petitioner went
over again, to know what was the reason the said cattle were not
brought over in four high waters, at a time of calm good weather :
and when your petitioner came, the said Harding told him he could
not carry them now, nor could he tell when they could be carried
over, so that your petitioner was forced to turn said cattle into a
pasture after they had stood starving in a pen for the space of four
high tydea, during which time your petitioner had no beef for the
market but what he borrowed ; and when your petitioner expostu-
lated with this ferryman about his neglect herein, his answer was,
that Jeremiah Calcutt was dead, and he would make all the butchers
in New York truclde to him before Christmas ; nor would he bring
said cattle over, unless your petitioner would come over and help
to load them.
"As your petitioner has lived in this city and followed the trade
of a butcher for tiie term of about nine years, during which time the
ferrymen have always thought it their duty to load and bring over
the cattle that have come to the ferry for the butchers. And why
the butchers shall be forced to goe and load the cattle themselves,
now Jeremiah Calcutt is dead, more than they did before, your pe-
Digitized by
Google
BROAD STREET MARKET. 83
titioner cannot perceive, nor will the circumstances of the trade al-
low your petitioner to hire hands and goe over to load the cattle
when they come to the ferry. He wishes the Hon. Court to order
the said ferryman to do his duty — as has always been the practice
of the said ferry."
Two years after the butchers and other keepers of dogs were com-
plained of for allowing their dogs to run loose about the city, and
the authorities on the 17th of March notice it in the following man-
ner: " Whereas the butchers and other inhabitants of this city super-
abound in a very great number of mischievous mastiffs, bull-dogs,
and other useless dogs, who not only run at coaches, horses, chaises,
and cattle in the daytime, whereby much mischief has ensued, but in
the nigh^timc are left in the streets of this city, and frequently bite,
tear, and kill several cows and render the passage of the inhabitants
of this city upon their lawful occasions very dangerous in the night-
time through the streets thereof, by attacking and flying at them, and
are become a publick nuisance and grievance," Ac.
The butchers in general, from my first recollections, were noto-
rious for keeping bull-dogs, and no doubt at this very early period
they were used to assist in catching runaways or dangerous animals,
which had become so from fright or other causes. Cattle raised on
large ranges, where they almost run wild, are apt to be dangerous,
and if penned into a small yard singly or almost alone, they will
not allow any person to approach them, but turn and charge you at
a full run. Such animals, when about to be haltered in olckn time,
were worried with bull-dogs, who seized them by the nose with a
vice»like grip of their strong jaws, and by a muscular twist of the
body, threw the animals or held them until they could be haltered.
Some stubborn animals would not step after being haltered, but
lay down ; then the bull-dog would soon arouse them, so that they
can be pulled in. It is, however, many years since butchers have
used bull-dogs for this purpose, although they were kept by some of
the buU4ies, when it was the fashion for bull-baiting. The few which
are now kept here are by sporting characters of the dog-fighting and
rat-killing fanciers.
In the month of September, 1710, a conmiittee was appointed to
*" cause the wall under the market-house at the south end of Broad
Street, near the Dock, to be repaired." We then pass on to the
Ist of June, 1714, when it was "Ordered, that the market-house by
the Dock, at the south end of the Broad Street, be repaired;"
which I find, from records in the Comptroller's office, cost £1 lOs.
Again, in December, 1719, a committee was ordered to "view the
wall fronting the Dock which supports the Market^House at the
Digitized by
Google
g4 BROAD STREET MARKET.
south end of Broad Street, and take care that the same be put into
some tolerable repairs, to preserve itt from falling this winter, in
order it be better repaired in the spring;" which no doubt was
done.
The next year the laws ordained "what places to be public mar-
kets;" among which were "the market-places at the Cheat and
Little Bridges ;^^ that is, the one at the Great Bridge was the "Cus-
tom-Housc Bridge Market," and the one at the Little Bridge the
"Broad Street Market." Then also, in the boundaries of the South
Ward, from the Charter, dated 1723, it includes "the market-house
at the south end of the said {Broad) street."
Now let us look at the plan of New York, surveyed by James
Lyne, in 1729. He places a building at the foot of Broad Street,
which he calls Exchange; the laws, however, the next year call it
"Market by the Long Bridge."
This Long Bridge was formerly the Little Bridge, which at this
period had been widened and extended.
We here turn aside to notice a great rejoicing, which ended with
great sorrow and death to several prominent citizens. It was a
great fashion in "olden times," on great occasions — such as victo-
ries, birth-days of distinguished men, or the finishing of some im-
portant edifice or great work — to have an ox roasted whole, with
barrels of liquor furnished to the inhabitants. From "Zenger's"
Weekly Journal, of the 21st July, 1735, we learn that "on Wednes-
day last His Excellency, William Cosby, Esq., our Governor, caused
an ox to be roasted whole on the new Battery, where he was at-
tended by several gentlemen of distinction ; the day was spent
with firing and drinking of the loyal healths by a great many peo-
ple, as is usual on such occasions. But the day ended with more
real and sudden sorrow than we have known in this city within
twenty-four years last past. For the last piece (cannon) unfortu-
nately burst, and wounded three persons mortally, viz., John Hen-
drick Lymes, Esq., SheriflF of the City of New York ; a fragment
of the piece struck on the groin and thighs, and bruised him that
he died within a few hours." One of the others was " Catharine
Courtlandt, the only daughter of Philip Courtlandt, Esq., one of
His Majesty's Council for this province; she had her skull frac-
tured, so that she died within a few minutes after she received the
hurt. She was about nine years of age."
This market-house, for many of its latter years, was used princi-
pally as a country market, and when vacant, the merchants took
possession of it, where they transacted their selling, trading, or
exchanging. Near by was the "Long Bridge," which had been
Digitized by
Google
OLD SLIP MARKET. 85
used by them as a place of meeting for about seventy years, and
was first established by Governor Lovelace, in 1669, in order that
merchants should meet "near the Bridge" (Long Bridge) on every
Friday, between the hours of eleven and twelve o'clock ; and the
Mayor was ordered "to have the bell rung to congregate, and again
to disperse;" and also "to take care that they be not disturbed"
while in session.
This market-house was not noticed in the laws of 1737 as a pub-
lic market-place; but the " Oazette" of July 24, 1738, refers to it in
an advertisement for the sale of property at Harlaem, as follows:
"On Saturday, the 2d of September next, at ten o'clock in the
morning, in the Exchange Market-House, near the *Long Bridge,'
will be exposed to sale, by publick vendue, the plantation of the
late Captain Thomas Coddrington, containing about thirty acres of
land, besides two out-lots of about eight acres;" "all in the bounds
of Harlaem, in the outward of the City of New York."
Four years after, David Grim, on his map, marks it down with
the name I have adopted for it, viz., "Broad Street Market." Two
years later, an excellent old side-view map, or the "South Prospect
View of Y^ flourishing City of New York," printed in London,
1746, now in the possession of the "Society Library," shows this
markd'housej directly at the foot of Broad Street, but no reference
is given to it. A mistake, however, is made, by noticing the "Meal
or Wall Street Market-House" as the Exchange, (No. 15.) The
"Old Exchange" in Broad Street was not built, or commenced,
mitil the year 1752; and the intention, no doubt, was to represent
this old "&oad Street Market" as Lyne did, when he called it
"the Exchange," in 1729.
I find no further reference to it ; and as it had stood more than
fifty years, I am inclined to think that about the period of 1746 it
was taken down.
"OLD SLIP MARKET."
1691. Among the proceedings which took place before the "Court,"
on the 15th of October, 1691, was that of designating where " Flesh-
Meat" shall be sold. The "Court" ordered "that there be two
market-places for Flesh-Meat: the one in the Broadway over against
the Ffort; the other under the Trees by the Slipp."
The first I have noticed as the " Broadway Shambles," and the
Digitized by
Google
86 OLD SLIP MABKBT.
other I will proceed first to locate. This " Slipp*' is marked down
on an old map as being near the present lower end of Hanover
Square and Old Slip, where no doubt at that time stood several
large shady trees, under which the country people coming from the
ferry from Brooklyn, with their productions, were wont to stop and
rest, sheltered from the son. They were here met by the purchasing
Burghers, and it soon became a market-place recognized by the aa-
thorities in the above " order."
The "Burger's" or "Slip Battery of Ten Guns," and also the
Burger's Path, was near this spot, where the first Slip was made, or
noticed as such, gave it the name of Old Slip — ^it being the oldest
Slip.
This additional "Flesh-Market" was ordered no doubt in conse*
quence of the rapid growth of this part of the city for several years
previous, as this would appear to have been a reasonable supposi-
tion from the many improvements suggested by the authorities. One
of which was the " ordering all the lotts from Burger's Path to the
foot of the Hill, by Alderman Beekmans, (Beekman Street,) be ex-
posed to sale ;" and on the following 6th of December it was " orders
ed that the lotts lying between Burger's Path and the Block-House
( Wall Street) be laid out into thirteen lotts, the first lott next to
the Slipp to y« (he) fifty foot in breadth, and the other twelve to
ye (be) each forty-two foot." These were all sold, and many of
them were soon built upon, as well as many others which formerly
belonged to the Government.
The rapid progress of the city was, however, checked for a period
by what was then called the " Bread Famine." This took place in
the year 1696, when the citizens, in the month of October, appealed
to the authorities to assist them, in the following language: " Upon
complaint of the inhabitants & poor of this city, that there is no
bread to be bought to supply their wants, soe that they cannot subsist
unless some speedy method be taken to furnish the same; and the
bakers being summoned before this Board, doe complain that they
have no come, neither can gett any to purchase att a reasonable
rate, whereby to occupy their trade in order to supply the inhab-
itants of this citty with bread as aforesaid. It is therefore ordered
that ye Aldermen and Assistants of each respective Ward within
this Citty doe goe through their several Wards & make dilligent
search and enquiry of what quantities oifiower, wheat, and bread are
in the same Ward, and make return thereof on Munday next att two
of ye clock in the afternoon, in order that efifectual care be taken for
to supply the inhabitants with bread."
At their next meeting (October 23d) it was ordered that a corn-
Digitized by
Google
OLD SLIP MARKET. 87
mittee " joyn the Recorder to consult of Bach proper methods as may
be most effectual for the caosing oorm to be brought to this citty for
the releif of the inhabitants."
On the 17th of November following, the Mayor reported to the
Board, *' that the inhabitants have made daily complaints for the
want of bread. That the Aldermen had made strict enquiry at
every house of what store of oonm they had at that time ; there did
not exceed the quantity oiseven hundred bushels; upon which it was
taken into consideration what number of inhabitants was within this
dtty, and what might be needful for their daily subsistense with
bread. Whereupon itt was computed that there was about six ihon-
sand sovls within this citty, and that stock of come would not be
sufficient for a week's maintenance."
^ Thereupon this Board fell into consideration of what should be
the cause of soe great a scarcity, when lately there had been soe
plentiful a harvest, and did finde that the true and only cause did
proceed from y« liberty & latitude that every planter had lately taken
of making his house or farme a markett for wheat, or converting the
same into flower by bolting of tit, and that under pretense of a privi*
ledge they conceive they had obtained by virtue of a law made in
Qen^ Assembly." A committee was appointed to take measures to
have this law repealed, and they were successful with what was then
called the '* Bolting Act."
This market-place soon became a successful one, visited by many
country people, and butchers who cut up and sold "flesh-meat,"
which no doubt afterwards gave it the name of the " Great Flesh
Market." Prior to the erection of a marke^hou&e, they protected
themselves from the stormy weather under their several temporary
sheds and tents until the prosperity and wants of the "' inhabitants
of the neighborhood of Burger^s Path asked leave to erect a market-
house at their own charge." This took place on the 8th of July,
1701, when the Board ordered that they have liberty to erect such a
bouse ^* on the vacant lotts of ground fronting the houses of Leonard
Haygen, and that late of Jacob Teller, for the conveniency and
accommodation of the public."
A statement was made showing the increase of cattle, and tho^e
that were killed for the use of the city, in several of the previous
years. The proceedings of the 16th of July, 1698, show "A con-
fiiderable increase of stock of cattle, and sould att double y<^ price of
what they were formerly; and for instance, about fourteen years
ago, (1684,) there was not dbove/our hundred neai cattle killed for
the service of the inhabitants of this citty, and now near three thou-
sand head, besides sheep and other small cattle, which fully demon*
strates the increase of tiie trade."
Digitized by
Google
gg OLD SLIP MARKET.
The introduction of a landing-place for the ferrj-boats was also
established here ; it was, however, chiefly for the landing of flour at
certain tides. The lessee of the regular ferry, Dirck Benson, had
got behind with his payments to the Corporation, who sued him, but
they afterwards proposed terms of settlement, (in the Coort held
January 27, 1703,) by abating " £30 per annum, for the remaining
term of the lease," if he would " land all flower brought over to the
city in the ferry-boats att the Slip att Burger^s Path, and also to land
passengers and other commodities brought over one tide att the said
Slipp at Burger^s Path, and the other tide at * Countess Key,' {Fly
Market;) and if these terms were not agreed to, then the action now
depending against him for the said rent be prosecuted to the utmost."
This arrangement of the ferry was, on the Ist of October, 1707,
somewhat altered in the terras of the lease to James Harding; "that
is to say, every Monday and Thursday, at Countess Key, every Tues-
day and Pry day, at Burger^s Path, and every Wednesday and Satur-
day, at the Dock, Slip, near Col. Cortlandt's house, and at no other
place whatsoever." Then, in the early part of the year 1722, the
same was " demised and lett to flfarm to William Weblin, butcher,
for the term of five years, at seventy-one pounds," but this arrange-
ment was not completed.
The war with the French at this period (1705) found, as Smith
says, "Our harbor being wholly unfortified; a French privateer ac-
tually entered it in 1705, and put the inhabitants in great consterna-
tion." They, however, soon began to prepare with fortifications,
ship of war, and privateers ; one of the latter, a brigantine, called
the Dragon, commanded by Captain Guicks, carrying about 130 men,
lay in the harbor preparing for sea ; several of her crew being allow-
ed on shore, " went on a spree," which ended in a riot and the death
of several persons. The particulars we find noticed in "The Boston
News Letter, ^^ October 1, 1705, {dated New York, September 24:)
"On the 19th instant, about 10 at night, some privateers began a
riot before the Sheriflf's house of this city, assembled the sheriff at
his door without any provocation, & beat and wounded several per^
sons that came to his assistance, & in a few minutes the privateers
tumultously met together in great numbers; upon which forces were
sent out of the Fort to suppress them, and the Sheriff, Officers, and
some men belonging to Her Majestie's ships made a body to do the
same ; but before these forces could meet with them, the privateers un-
happily met i^ew^ Wharton Featherstone-Hough and Ensign Alcock,
(two gentlemen of the Hon. Col. Livesay's Regiment, that came in
the Jamaica Fleet, who were peaceably going home to their lodg-
ings,) and barbarously murdered the first, and greviously wounded
Digitized by
Google
OLD SLIP MABKET. g9
the latter in several places in the head, and brosied his body; Rafter
thej had knock'd him down several times and got his sword, some of
them run Lieut, Featherstone-Hough in at the left side thro' his heart,
(as is supposed with Ensign Alcock's sword,) of which wound he
immediately dyed. Just as the fact was done, the privateers were
attacked by the Sheriff, Officers, and Seamen of Her Majestie's Ship,
and some of the town, & in a short time were obliged to fly ; several
of lK>th sides were wounded ; some of the privateers were then taken
prisoners, and several since, who were committed, & do believe will
suffer according to law ; the soldiers killed one of the privateers that
was flying from them. One Erasmus Wilkins was apprehended on
Saturday last & committed, and by the evidence ^tis believed he is
the man that murdered Lieut. Featherstone-Hough ; it would be too
tedious to relate the particulars, but their insolence is beyond ex-
pression : this riot was chiefly acted by the privateers belonging to
the Briganteen Dragon^ Capt. Guicks, Commander."
The next year (1706) greater exertions are made for the defence
of the city ; the Mayor and Council petition Governor Cornbury on
the 8th of May, stating *' the iminent danger wee conceive the city
to be in by an invasion of the common enemy," and " the vigorous
defence by reason our fortifications are wholly out of repair." They
wish them repaired, and '' the making of others in convenient places ;
the mounting of artillery and the compleat arming of our inhabit-
ants." The next meeting of the " Council," (14 May,) it was "order-
ed that what beams the carpenters shall use of the Widdow Helena
Cooper's for the making of carriages for the mounting of the guns,"
" to be paid for by the city, as shall be appraised."
On the 11th of July following, an ordinance was passed compell-
ing all the inhabitants, or their providing sufficient laborers, " to
work att or upon the fortifications by equal terms & wards soe often
aa they shall have notice; to appear with a good spade, shovell, ax
or pick, or other necessary tool or instrument."
The " Council" again petitioned (on the 22d July) to the Governor,
saying, "We haveing received advice from Antigua that /owr French
privateers arc sayled out of Martineque for this coast, and also that
Monsieur Deberville, with a strong squadron of ships of war, de-
signs speedily to attacque this city and province. We therefore
must humbly pray your Excell^y that your Lordship would most fa-
vorably be pleased to lay an embargo in this port for such term aa
your Lordship shall judge requisite."
From the " Boston News Letter," August 5, (1706,) following, we
again extract the news from New York, dated 29th July, which tells
08 that " Last week an embargo was laid here for 60 days, and all
Digitized by
Google
90 OLD BLIP MARKET.
persons forbid all manner of labor, and all shops shut up until the
fortifications of the city be finished, so that we have near 1,000 men
at work every day." The next week after, the same paper says,
" Our fortifications we hope will be compleat this week, and we shall
have 100 cannon mounted in this city, besides the Fort, (Greorge,)
which is also put into very good repair & order."
The people, however, had no confidence in Governor Cornbury;
he had deceived them before, when money, &c., were granted for the
defence of the city, he appropriated to his own private use. Smith
says, ** We never had a governor so universally detested, nor any
who so richly deserved the public abhorrence. In spite of his noble
descent, his behavior was trifling, mean, and extravagant.
" It was not uncommon for him to dress himself in a woman's
habit, and then to patrole the Fort in which he resided. Such freaks
of low humor exposed him to the universal contempt of the people;
but their indignation was kindled by his despotick rule, savage big-
otry, insatiable avarice, and injustice, not only to the publick, but
even his private creditors ; for he left some of the lowest tradesmen
in his employment unsatisfied in their just demands." However, the
numerous complaints presented to the Queen obliged her to revoke
his commission, and his creditors threw him into one of the jails of
the City Hall, in Wall Street, until released by the inheritance ob-
tained by the death of his father.* His successor, John Lord Love-
lace, Baron of Harley, arrived here in the month of December, 1708,
and before a period of six months had passed, he was laid into his
grave, " from a disorder contracted in crossing the ferry on his ar-
rival here."t The Lieut. Governor, Richard Ingolsby, was then
placed in command, until his character and actions became known ;
who, like Cornbury, was dismissed from the oflSce; and in 1710,
we find Robert Hunter, " a man of wit and personal beauty," at the
head as the Governor.^
About this period, the Mayor, Jacobus V. Cortlandt, held several
other public offices besides, which were attached to this high posi-
tion, and among these was that of Clerk of the Market In the lat-
ter office, he had been engaged in prosecuting several delinquent
butchers, from whom his counsel or collector had recovered cer-
tain fines or penalties. This subject was brought before the Jus-
tices and Vestrymen on the 17th of June, 1712, when " Mr. (Thomas)
George having acquainted this Board, that he has in his hands thirty
pounds shillings, which he recovered of several butchers at the
suit of Coll. Jacobus V. Cortlandt, which moneys he, the said Coll.
Cortlandt, hath given to the use of the poor of this citty, and de*
• Dunlap'a Hist. N. Y., p. 263, VOL I. f Smith's Hist N.Y., p. 191. J n)id., p- 19».
Digitized by
Google
I
OLD SLIP MABKET. 91
sires this Board will order bow he shall dispose thereof. Ordered,
he paj the same to the Church Wardens of this city, for the use of
the poor of this city, whose receipt shall be a sufficient discharge for
80 doing.
'* Ordered, tiie Church Wardens lend Phillip Batten, butcher,
thirty shillings, in order to go on with his trade, (he being reduced
to great poverty by reason of his wife being delirious,) being an ob-
ject of charity."*
In the year 1711, the war with the French had made it necessary
for the authorities to take possession of and use all the public mar*
ket-houses in the city to build battoes in, except this one at Bur-
ger's Path,t which then appeared to be the principal market-place,
as it was more central and in the more thickly settled portion of the
city. " Twenty ship and house carpenters (says Smith) were impressed
into the service for their building, while commissions were appointed
to purchase provisions and other necessaries, and empowered to
break open houses for that purpose, and to impress men, vessels,
horses, and waggons for transporting the stores.'^ The following
will give some idea of tiie prices that were paid for some kinds of
these provisions:
£. B. d.
"Good prime pork, per barrel, 8 10 0
Indian corn, per bushel, 026
Pease, do. 0 5 0
Buttock of beef, per pound, (smoaked,) • - - 0 0 7
Cheese, do. 0 0 6."
After peace was concluded, which took place in the month of
March, 1713, the prices of provisions became much reduced, and so
remained until the hard winter of 1717, when a large portion of the
country was covered with a deep snow, and supplies were stopped
from many places, and again the price advanced.
The farmers in the Eastern States suffered severely, which is par-
ticularly described in " Lewis' History of Lynn." He says, " Two
great storms on the twentieth and twenty-fourth of February cover-
ed the ground so deep with snow, that people for some days could
not pass from one house to another. Old Indians of an hundred
years said that their fathers had never told them of such a snow.
It was from ten to twenty feet deep, and generally covered the lower
story of the houses. Cottages of one story were entirely buried, so
that the people dig paths from one house to another under the snow.
Soon after, a slight rain fell, and the frost crusted the snow; and
* Records in the poeeeesion of 6. H. Moore, Esq.
t See '* Flatter'i Barrack Market-Plaoet."
Digitized by
Google
92 OLD SLIP MARKET.
the people went out of their chamber windows and walked over it.
Many of the farmers lost their sheep ; and most of the sheep and
swine which were saved lived from one to two weeks without food.
One man had some hens buried near his barn, which were dug out
alive eleven days after.
" This snow formed a remarkable era in New England ; and old
people, in relating an event, would say that it happened so many
years before or after the great snow."
Three years after, in the month of January, it is said, "on the 9th,
10th, 11th, and 12th instant, great numbers went over Hudson's River
upon the ice from New York to New Jersey, since which the weather
has been very warm, like the spring, and all the ice gone."*
In the spring of 1726, prices of provisions were noticed in TJie
New Y(yf*k Gazette^ on the 9th of May, as follows: "Pork, 558.;
Beef, 34 to 35s. per barrel; Flour, lis. to lis. 6d. per hundred;
Fresh Beef in the market, 3d. ^ penny per pound, by the quarter,
and 4d. per pound smaller pieces; and Pease, 4s. 6d. per bushel."
In the Laws of 1720, this market-place is noticed " as the market-
house at Burger's Path," and we find eight years after it was still
known by that name, when the Board gave the inhabitants " liberty
to repair the market-hoiLse at Burger^a Path.^^ Again, in May, 1721,
" John Brown, at Mrs. Beurk's, over against the * market-house by
Burger's Path,' sells European goods at very reasonable prices, and
takes for pay Flour, Biskets, Beef, Pork, Gammons," &c.t Two
months after, however, the name assumed the proper one, as we find
in the same paper, "Thursday next, at nine in the morning, at the
* Old Slip Market,^ will be exposed for sale, by publick vendue, goods
of various kinds ;" and Lyne's Map of this year, marks No. 9, " Old
Slip Markety^ standing on a line of the present Pearl Street, with
the rear next to the " Slip." It continues in the " papers" with its
right name, although at times slip will be spelled with two p's in
describing the residence (in 1734) of a "Book-binder, lives in Duke
Street, (formerly caUed Bayard Street J near the * Old Slipp Mar-
ket.'" "Looking-glasses, new silvered, and the frames plainc japan-
ed ; also, all sorts of Picktures made and sold, and all manner of
painting work done. Also, Looking-glasses and all sorts of painters'
coulers and oyl, sold at reasonable rates, by Gerardus Duykinck,
at the sign of the two Cupids, near the *01d Slip Market,' where you
may have ready money for old looking-glasses;" and in 1736,
" Stephen Bayard has Muscovada sugar to be sold between the Old
Slipp and Koenties Markets.''^
From about the years 1725 to 1733 this market appeared at the
• Boston News Letter, February 1, 1720. f N. Y. G-.zctte, 1729. J N. Y. JoornaL
Digitized by
Google
OLD SLIP MARKET. 93
height of its prosperity, and it was then considered the best in the
dty ; but in 1735 the ''Fly Market" became its rival, as an equal
number of stands were leased, as will appear under the head of ''Fly
Market," at that date.
This leasing of all the stands took place on the 10th of Decem-
ber, when the Market Committee reported that they had met and
agreed with the following butchers for stands in the ''Market-House
at Burger's Path:"
" To Israel and Timothy Horsefield, 2 stalls, Nos. 1-2, at £22 0 0.
To Samuel Brown,
8
" 10 0.
To Samuel Hopson, -
4
" 8 0 0.
To Eliza Carpenter, -
5
" 16 0 0.
To Widow Davis, -
6
" 10 0.
To Mich' Christopher Row,
7
" 8 0 0."
Israel Horsefield lived at Brooklyn near the ferry, where he had
built several buildings, and in doing so, had no doubt by accident
overstepped his bounds, and got upon the property of the Corpora-
tion ; but was fortunate in securing a lease on the 26th February,
1735, '* of that part of the wharfe and slaughter-house he has lately
built and put upon the land of this Corporation, near the ferry at
Brookland, at the annual rent otfve shilling." This part of the
corporation's no doubt he purchased afterwards, and it became pos-
sessed by Israel, Junr., who advertised it for sale in the New York
Gatette and Weekly Mercury, February, 1769, " consisting of a house
and lot of ground, slaughter-house and barn, situate at Brooklyn
Ferry, on Long Island."
The marketrhouse, even with an increased number of stands, soon
appeared too small, as the country people were crowded out, and
caused many to stop at the " Fly," which was close by the ferry.
This was a spur to the " inhabitants of the East Ward, near and
adjoining the market-house, contiguous to the Old Slip, called Bur^
per's Path, who applied to the Board on the 21st , 1736,
through Alderman Walter, to enlarge the market-house at their own
charge and expense," so that a part thereof be for the use of the
country people. This enlarging did not tend to give much en-
couragement to business, as I find but five stands leased for one
year in March, 1737, to the same persons, and Nos. 6 and 7 are not
noticed.
Some of these butchers, with others of " Fly" and " Coenties Mar-
kets," were so unfortunate as to have negro slaves engaged in the
"Great Negro Plot," which occurred a few years afterwards. This
information is derived principally from Horsmanden's account,
whose conclusion was, that these conspirators, both white and black,
Digitized by
Google
94 OLD SLIP MARKET.
had designed to destroy the city by fire, and massacre the inhabit-
ants ; bnt fortunately, in conseqaence of a robbery having been com-
mitted some weeks before the appointed time, which was fixed on
St. Patrick's night, {March 17,) 1741, and while the police and
magistrates were engaged in tracing out the thieyes, several fires
occurred, of which the governor's house, the chapel, and other build-
ings in Ihe Fort {Oeorge) were burnt to the ground. A few daya
after, the roof of Capt. Warner's house was found in flames, but was
soon put out by the fire-engines: then followed the partial burning
of the store-house of Mr. Van Zandt ; then the cow stables, near
Quick's, in the " Fly;" then at the house of one Ben. Thomas, next
door to Capt. Sarly's ; then the haystack standing near the Court-
House and stables of Joseph Murray, Esq., in the Broadway; then
at the house of Sergeant Burns, opposite Fort Garden ; then at Mrs.
Hilton's house, at the comer of the building next to tiie ''Fly Mar^
ket;" then at Col. Philips' store-house; and then the alarm which
proceeded from the cellar of a baker near Coentiea Market^ which
was all of a smother, and chips in a blaze, but was soon suppressed ;
added to all this, the evidence from the criminals, which had begun
to be developed of this infernal plot, and the thoughts of the former
conspiracy,* (1712,) all tended to create the most intense excite-
ment among all classes of the citizens.
"At this time the City of New York contained a population of
about twelve thousand souls, and of whom one-sixth were slavq9."t
So numerous were they, that it was thought they were more fully
organized than was afterwards proven, and so strong was the feel-
ing against them at first, that they were without defence; "all the
counsel in the city were arrayed against them, and volunteered their
services in behalf of the crown."
Some who had always born good characters, were deserted by
their masters, who believed they were all guilty alike; many were
persuaded to plead guilty, and throw themselves upon the mercy of
the Court; and others, again, were convicted on the testimony of
other negroes, who gave false evidence to save their own lives.
The two butchers, Timothy and Israel Horsefield, noticed as oc-
cupying stands Nos. 1 and 2, in this market^ lived at Brooklyn, L. I.,
and, as it appears from the evidence, they had three slaves on trial,
two of whom were found guilty, and their sentence was transporta-
tion. Mrs. Eliza Carpenter, who occupied stand No. 5, had two, one
of which was burnt, and the other transported. Edward Kelly, of
"Fly Market," had one transported; and Isaac Yarian one also
transported.
• See '* Coentiefl Slip Market'' f Smith's Hist N. T., p. 438, 439.
Digitized by
Google
OLD SLIP MARKET. 95
It appears they had the city divided into two districts, and or-
ganized in two parties: one of which called themselves ^'Long
Bridge Boys/' who met at John Romme's in Broad Street; and the
other, *' Smith Fly Boys," who met at John Hughson's, living at the
North River, where he kept a low place of resort, near the foot of
(note) Liberty Street, in John Thnrman's house. Hnghsdn and
Bomme were white men, and were both engaged in this conspiracy ;
the former appeared to be the '' ringleader ;" and at a great meeting,
where some forty or fifty negroes met at his house, he swore them
all, *' to bum and kill," every one to (set on) fire his master's house,
**kill master and mistress, and then fire the Fort." '* That when the
dty was on fire, the negroes were to meet at the end of Broadway,
next to the /'te&b," (Park,) The following evidence from confes-
sion made, shows the fact of the slaves of the above butchers being
interested : from Pedro, (Depeyster's slave,) " says, he went out one
Sunday morning with Mrs. Carpenter^s negro Albany; that as they
went along the Broadway, they met with Mr. Sleydall's Jack, who
was going to Comfort's for tea-water; that at the (Fly) market,
near Mr. Delancy's house, they met two other negroes; that Albany
asked them to go down to Hughson's, and drink witii them ; that
they first drank cyder, then raw drams." Braveboy (Mrs. Kier-
stede^s) says, ** that some time last summer, Carpenter^s Albany came
to his mistress's house to bring meat, and called him into the yard,
saying he wanted to speak with him, and then asked him whether
he would join with them?" "Then Albany told him, he would help
him to a gun to kill his master." ** Variants Worcester teid, that in
Christmas holidays, LefFerts' Pompey carried him to Hughson's,
where were many negroes at supper; that they had punch, Ac, and
after supper, Hughson, his wife and daughter, swore to a plot
against the white people, and that he (Hughson) swore most or all
of the negroes then present, among whom the prisoner was sworn ;
that some swore by one thing, and some by another; there were
present the following negroes, viz. : Lefferts' Pompey, Kelly's Lon-
don, Carpenter's Tickle, and Albany and Bastian. Codweis's Cam-
bridge asked Horsfidd^s Cceser and Chiy about it, who both con-
fessed they had been sworn at Hughson's, and told him, when the
work was going forward at York, (meaning the city, as the Hors-
fields, or masters of these two negroes, were butchers, who lived over
the water, Brooklyn, Long Island, opposite to this city,) they would
give the prisoner notice, and take him over with them in a canoe to
assist them. William Nail, servant to Thomas Cox, of the City of
New York, butcher, {in Coenties Market,) being duly sworn upon the
Holy Evangelists of Almighty Ood, deposeth and saith, that he, the
Digitized by
Google
96 OLD SLIP MARKET.
deponent, having discourse with one London^ a negro man slave, be-
longing to Edward Kdly, butcher^ concerning negroes that were
taken up on account of the plot, heard the said London swear, by
6 — d, that if he, the said London, should be taken up on account of
the plot, he would hang or burn all the negroes in York."
One hundred and fifty-four negroes were committed to prison, of
whom fourteen were burnt at the stake, (about half way in Augustus
Street, between Duane and Pearl Streets;) eighteen hanged, Cccser,
Varick's negro, was hung in chains on the Island, near the powder*
house, not far from the corner of Centre and Pearl Streets. Seven-
teen were transported, and the rest were pardoned or discharged
for want of proof.
Twenty white persons were committed, of which the following
were executed : John Hughson, his wife Sarah, Margaret Kerry, and
John Ury. Hughson was hung in chains, on the grounds now occu-
pied by the " Catharine Market." In the month of October, the Com-
mon Council petition the General Assembly, praying that the negroes
executed for the late conspiracy be paid for out of the revenue.
In the evidence shown in this " Great Negro Plot," the name of
William Nail, servant to Thomas Cox, is noticed. The name servant
was usually given to those of any age or sex who were unable to
pay passage-money across the ocean, but instead of it, bound them-
selves for a period of time agreed upon to the shipping merchants,
which time the merchant or captain had liberty to dispose of to the
best advantage, on their arrival. At a later period, many such per-
sons were known as " Redemptionists;" that is, they had power to
redeem their persons by paying certain sums of money instead of
labor or service.
The arrangements to obtain a home in the " New World" in this
manner commenced at a very early period, and some cases are in-
deed quite novel. Among the earliest noticed, appears in the follow-
ing law-suit which took place on the 27th of March, 1656. Gristie
Rutzersen brings action against Dirk Van Schelluyne before the
Court, when she states, " that she brought last year a girl, named
Mayke Cornelissen, with her from Holland, and disbursed if. 50
(florins) in Holland for her passage, on condition that if she did not
remain here with her, she should pay her in place of the flF. 50 Hol-
lands, ff.lOOhere ; and whereas, the maid hath been engaged by others,
and deft. (Schelluyne) hath order to satisfy her ; the pltff. requests
that he be condemned to pay her the flF. 100. Deft, says, that Mayke
Cornelissen hath left an act. with him, which he exhibits in Court,
in which she acknowledges that flF. 50 were paid in Holland by the
pltflf. for her passage, for which she should serve here one year; but
Digitized by
Google
OLD SLIP MARKET. 97
in ease she came to marry in the meantime, she should give her here
ff.IOO for the ff.50 paid in Holland; and whereas, pltff. could not re-
tain her in her service, she hired herself with another ; maintains,
consequently, that she owes only ff.50." The Court adjudges the
defendant to pay ff.lOO.*
In the following month of July, '^ Loaurens And^ Van Boskerk, a
turner, here complained that Frederick Adryasen, Sen^., his man, ran
away from last Sunday morning, without either words or reasons,
and he hired him in Amsterdam for 8 years, A he is not bound yet
more than 1 year ; requecsts that he be constrained by order of the
Court to serve out his time.''
We leave the *^ Records," and pass to a period when '* Newspa-
pers" were first printed on this continent, to which Boston must
claim the honor. In the advertisements which then appear, ''few
and far between," we find these '' servants" noticed. In the Boston
News Letter of September 8, 1705, we read: " Ran away at Boston,
about 3 weeks ago, from his master, Capt. Samuel Rymes, com-
mander of the Barbadoes merchant, a nuwrservant^ named Joseph
Ingerson, aged about 22 years, a well-set young man. Whoever
shall apprehend said servant, and him safely convey to his said mas-
ter, shall have forty shillings reward and reasonable charges."
The same paper, dated 3d of June, next year, in an ''editorial,"
thus shows the advantage of encouraging the importing of these
white servants, instead of black slaves: " By last year's bill of mor*
tality for the Town of Boston, in No. 100, ' News Letter,' we are
furnished with a list of 44 negroes' death last year, which being com-
puted one with another at £30 per head, amounts to the sum of one
thousand three hundred and twenty pounds, of which we would make
this remark : that the importing of negroes into this or the neigh-
bouring provinces is not so beneficial either to the crown or country
as white servants would be.
'* For negroes do not carry arms to defend the country as whites do.
" Negroes are generally eye-servants, great thieves, much addicted
to stealing, lying, and purloining.
" They do not people our country as whites would do, whereby
we should be strengthened against an enemy.
" By encouraging the importing of white men-servants, allowing
somewhat to the importer, most husbandmen in the country might
be furnished with servants for 8, 9 or £10 a head, who are not able
to launch out 40 or X50 for a negro, the now common price.
" A man then might buy a white man-servant, we suppose, for £10,
to serve 4 years^ and boys for the same price, to serve 6, 8 or 10
^ RfHfflrdfc
Vol. I.— 7
Digitized by
Google
98 OLD SLIP MARKET.
years. K a white servant die, the loss exceeds not £10, bnt if a
negro dies 'tis a very great loss to the husbandman; three years' in-
terest of the price of the negro will near upon, if not altogether, pur-
chase a white man-servant.
'* If necessity call for it, that the husbandman must fit out a man
against the enemy, if he has a negro, he cannot send him; butif he
has a white servant, 'twill answer the end, and perhaps save his son
at home.
''Were merchants and masters encouraged, as already said, to
bring in men-servants, there needed not be such complaint against
superiors impressing our children to the war ; there would then be
men enough to be had without impressing.
'' The bringing in of such servants would much enrich this prov-
ince, because husbandmen would not only be able far better to ma-
nure what lands are already under improvement, but would also im*
prove a great deal more that now lyes waste under woods, and ena-
ble this province to set about raising of harvest stores, which would
be greatly advantageous to the crown of England and this province.
'' For the raising of hemp here, so as to make sail-cloth and cord-
age to furnish but our own shipping, would hinder the importing it,
or save considerable sums in a year to make returns for which we
now do, and in time might be capacitated to furnish England not
only with sail-cloth and cordage, but likewise with pitch, tar, hemp,
and other stores which they are now obliged to purchase in foreign
nations.
'* Suppose the government here would allow forty shillings per
head, for five years, to such as should import every of these years
100 white men-servants, and each to serve 4 years, the cost would
be but £200 a year, and a 1,000 for the five years; the first 100
servants being free the 4th year, they serve the 5th for wages, and
the 6th there is 100 that goes out into the woods, and settles a 100
families to strengthen and barricade us from the Indians, and also
a 100 families more every year successively.
"And here you see that in one year the town of Boston has lost
£1,320 by 44 negroes, which is also a loss to the country in general,
and for a less loss, (if it may not improperly be so called,) for a
£1,000, the country may have 500 men in five years' time for the 44
negroes dead in one year.
"A certain person within these 6 years had two negroes dead,
computing both at £60 per head, to have served 24 years, at 4 years
apiece, without running such a great risque, and the whites would
have strengthened the country, that negroes do not. 'T would do
well that none of those servants be liable to be impressed during
Digitized by
Google
OLD SLIP MARKET. 99
tiieir service of agreement at their first landing. That such servants
bebg sold or transported out of this province during the time of
tbeir service, the persons that buy them be liable to pay £3 into
the treasury."
Some twenty years after Boston, New York began by publishing
the N. Y. Gazette, in which we find, dated May 9, 1726, '' The ship
Happy Betum is lately arrived at the City of New York from Dub-
lin, with men and women servanta; many of the men are tradesmen,
as blacksmiths, carpenters, weavers, taylors, cordwainers, and other
trades. Which aervanis are to be seen on board of said vessel lay-
ing over against Mr. Read's Wharf, and to be disposed of by John
A Joseph Read, on reasonable terms."
Professor Kalm, on his arrival at Philadelphia, in 1748, in the
eihip '* Mary Oally," Captain Lawson, says he went on shore with
the captain, '* but before he went, he {the captain) strictly charged
the second mate to let no one of the German refugees out of the
ship, unless he paid for his passage, or somebody else paid for him,
or bought him." Of the various kinds of servants then employed, he
further describes as follows: *'The servants which are made use of
in the English-American Colonies are either free persons, or slaves,
and the former are again of two difierent sorts.
" 1. Those who are quite free, serve by the year ; they are not only
allowed to leave their service at the expiration of their year, but may
leave it at any time when they do not agree with their masters.
However, in that case they are in danger of losing their wages,
which are very considerable. A man-servant who has some abili-
ties, gets between sixteen and twenty pounds in Pennsylvania cur-
rency, but those in the country do not get so much. A servant-maid
gets eight or ten pounds a year; these servants have their food be-
sides their wages, but must buy their own clothes, and what they get
of these they must thank their master's goodness for.
" 2. The second kind of free servants consists of such persons as
annually come from Germany, England, and other countries, in order
to settle here; most of them are poor, and have not money enough
to pay their passage, which is between six and eight pounds sterling
for each person ; therefore, they agree with the captain that they
will suffer themselves to be sold for a few years on their arrival.
In that case, the person who buys them pays the freight for them ;
but frequently very old people come over, who cannot pay their pas-
sage ; they therefore sell their children, so that they serve both for
themselves and for their parents.
** They commonly pay fourteen pounds Pennsylvania currency for
a person who is to serve four years, and so on in proportion.
Digitized by
Google
100 OLD SLIP IIARKET.
" When a person has bought sach a person for a certain number
of years, and has an intention to sell him again, he is at liberty to
do so ; but he is obliged, at the expiration of the term of the seryi*
tude, to provide the usual suit of dothea for the servants, unless he
has made that part of the bargain with the purchaser.
" The English and Irish commonly sell themselves for four years,
but the Germans frequently agree with the captain before they set
out to pay him a certain sum of money for a certain number of per>
sons; as soon as they arrive in America, they go about and try to
get a man who will pay the passage for them ; in return they give,
according to their circumstances, one or several of their children, to
serve a certain number of years; at last they make their bargain
with the highest bidder.
'* 3. The negroes or blacks make the third kind. They are in a
manner slaves ; for when a negro is once bought, he is the purchaser's
servant as long as he lives, unless he gives him to another, or makes
him free. Formerly the negroes were brought over from Africa,
and bought by almost every one who could afford it. The Quakers
alone scrupled to have slaves; but they are no longer so nice, and
they have as many negroes as other people. The price of negroes
differs, according to their age, health, and abilities. A full-grown
negro costs from forty pounds and upwards to a hundred of Penfi-
aylvania currency."
We again turn to the N. Y. Oazette, to notice these " servants,'*
who, it appears, occasionally ran away from their masters. We
read that " William Fletcher, a bought servant, is run away from
his master the 19th of last March, (1726,) and carried with him some
paper-money belonging to his master. Whoever can apprehend said
servant, or discover by letter where he is, so that he may be appre-
hended, shall have five pounds paid by the collector of His Majesty's
Customs in New York. Or if he will return and give security for
his good behaviour, he shall be forgiven. He had on when he went
away a dark-colored kersey coat, with brass buttons and braid, with
duroy; has leather breeches, short dark hair; by trade a brush-maker;
pretends to be a turner ; he makes mops, makea and mends bellows."
Four years after, 11th of May, 1730, in the same paper, is the
notice of a runaway " servant-man," which, from description, would
appear to have been a useful mechanic. " Ran away from Nicholas
Mathiessen, of the City of New York, brewer, one servant-man,
named Henry Fisher, about 26 years of age. He is by trade a house-
carpenter, a mason, and a pump-maker ; some time past he lived with
Mr. Hold in this city, brewer. Whoever can take up said servant-
man and bring him to his master, or secure him and give notice, so
Digitized by
Google
OLD SLIP MARKET. 101
tbat his master can haye him again, shall have five poimds reward,
mud ail reasonable charges paid.''
Another, at a later period, is also worthy of notice, and reads,
^ Ban away from Doctor William Band, of Boston, on the third day
of July last, an indented (German servant-man, named Qeorge Dacart,
about 22 years old; is well set, of a brown complexion, and has brown
liair. He took with him a snit of blue clothes, with metal buttons,
a pair of cotton breeches, ozenbrigs frock and trowsers, and yarn
stockings. He also took from his master a silver-hilted sword, a
erofls-CQt saw, and a fine French gnn. He is supposed to be gone
towards Philadelphia, but 'tis said has been lately seen in New York,
in the employ of a batcher. Whoever takes up said servant, and
eecures him in goal, shall have three pounds reward, paid by the
printer of this paper; or returned to Boston to his master, three
pistoles reward, and all reasonable charges."*
The manner of disposing of the unexpired time of these servants,
in case of death or otherwise, is shown by the following : " On Thurs-
day, the fifth day of August next, will be exposed to sale, by way of
public vendue, the times of two men and one woman servant, and
several other things belonging to the estate of His late Excellency
Governor Montgomerie.^' On the following 11th of October, *' a
Tery good, handy servant gtrVs time of six years, to be disposed of;
enquire of the printer hereof."t Advancing forty years, the " N. Y.
Journal,'' June 27, 1771, says, " Ttoenty-three months of the time of
an indented servant-woman, named Hannah Scott, is ' to be sold for
tight pounds;^ inquire of Samuel Bayard, opposite the Old English
Church." " Rivington's N. T. Gazetteer,'' July 22, 1773, " Servants
and Bedemptioners. — Afew boys and girls, men and women, on board
the ship Needham, William Chevers, commander, just arrived from
Newry, whose freights are payable to the captain, or to William
Neilson." In the same paper, on the 29th of July following: "To
be sold, upwards of four years' time of an English indented ser-
vant, a young man about twenty years of age; he has been used to
aocompts, and writes a very good hand." After the Revolution,
we find in "The Daily Advertiser," May 25, 1786, noticed, "To be
disposed of, the time of ^u^o Ckrman Bedemptioners, man and woman ;
they are likely, healthy, and strong, and have four years and a half
to serve ; enquire of the printer."
We turn back to this now "Old Market-House," and find two
items noticed in relation to it in an editorial of the N. T. Gazette,
June 17, 1754, which says, "The *01d Slip Market,' at the foot of
Smith Street, which for a long time has remained in a very ruinous
• M. T. Gmftte, Sept S5, 1752. f lb., Julj 26, 1731.
Digitized by
Google
102 O^^ SLIP MARKET.
condition, is, by order of the Mayor and Corporation, now repair^
ing, having a good stone foundation already placed and a strong
boarded floor preparing for the same; and will in a very little time,
from the close application of the workmen, be in an extraordinary
good condition to receive both city and country produce. We are
told that the front part (if not the whole) of the market is to be re-
shingled.'^ Then follows, "At the aforesaid market, on Friday last,
was exposed to sale the largest veal of its age that has been known
for many years to be brought into our market. It was but six weeks
and four days old, and bred at Woodbridge, Rahway, in the Jerseys^
and was sold for 9 shillings the quarter, one of which weigh'd up>
wards of 30 pounds."
On the first of November following, the market-house appears to
have been finished, when a committee was appointed " for the letting
of the sellars under the ' Slip Market,' for the use and benefit of this
Corporation.''
As late as 1762, the Laws designate it as " the Market-House at
Old Slip, commonly called Burger's Path ;" but whenever noticed
in the press, it is usually found with its- proper name, used as a
'' guide-post," in advertising somebody's wares, and very seldom in
an editorial. One of an unfortunate occurrence which happened to
one of the butchers is thus noticed in the Gazette of July 3d, 1766:
" Mr. Giles Cooper, a butcher of the * Old Slip Market,' partner of
John Foster^ another butcher, fell from his horse, between Hamstead
and Jamaica, Long Island, last Thursday (27th ult.) afternoon, and
broke so many of his bones that he died next morning."
Occasionally meat and other thieves visited the markets for the
purpose of procuring a good dinner, without paying the current coin,
and occasionally they were caught; when, if they did not willingly
pay, they received a coin " well laid on," which would do some of the
light-fingered gentry now-a-days some good ; but in those days, there
were no " shysters," either judges or lawyers, who would like to di-
vide their plunder or run the risk of receiving some of the same sort.
Not only were men publicly whipped, but women too. In the month
of September, 1766, the N. Y. Mercury says, " This day, between the
hours of nine and eleven, Mrs. Johanna Christian Young, and another
lady, her associate from Philadelphia, being found guilty of grand
larceny, at the Mayor's Court, last week, are to be set on two chairs
exalted on a cart, with their heads and faces uncovered, and to be
carted from the City Hall, to that part of the Broadway near the
new English Church, from thence down Maiden Lane, then down
the Fly to the Whitehall, thence to the Church aforesaid, and then
to the Whipping Post, where each of them are to receive 39 lashes^
to remain in goal for one week, and then to depart the city."
Digitized by
Google
OLD SLIP MARKET. 103
The pay of the " Pablick Whipper," some twenty years before this
took place, is noticed in the following entry, dated 15th January,
1736 : '* To Edward Brenwen, the public whipper of this city, X2 10,
ia full for 1 qn sallarry, & also the sum of 15s* for setting in the
pillory ft whipping through't the Town, at a cart's tail, one Patrick
Baiter for issueing contrefetted doUors," ftc«*
The pay of this "publick" officer was very much increased in 1751,
as no doubt the duties of the office had become more onerous and
arduous to the professed office-seeker, which caused an advertise-
ment as follows: "The Public Whipper of the City of New York,
being lately dead, if any person inclines to accept that office, with
ifoefiUy pounds a year, he may apply to the Mayor, and be entered.''t
A few years after, another mode of punishing criminals is no-
tioed in the same paper, January 25, 1768, as follows: "One John
Clayton Morris was committed to goal of this city for aheep steed-
ing; it seems he had successively stole four or five, which he killed,
and retailed in the markets. On a search, the skins were found in
his possession. He was tried last week at our Supreme Court, and
found guilty, but had the benefit of the dergy granted him ; was burnt
in the hand, and discharged.''
The next year, (1769,) on the 14th of September, the " Chronicle"
says, " On Tuesday last William Smith and Daniel Martin, the former
for stealing a quarter of lamb, and the latter for stealing fiddle-
strings, received 15 lashes each at the usual place of flagellation.''
A few days after, Richard Ely, for attempting to defraud and
cheat, "was exalted on a wooden horse in a triumphal car, with
labels on his breast; after which he was conducted to the public
whipping-post, where he received a proper chastisement."
We find the counterfeiter was more severely dealt with, as the fol-
lowing will show. The same paper on the 15th of May, same year,
says, "On Thursday last, one John Jubeart was committed to goal,
for passing false dollars. Upon examination before Alderman 6au-
tier, he said that he was born upon Staten Island, and followed the
bnsinees of a tinker. There was a millinix found upon him, and an
instmment which he said he used to straiten gdn-barrels. He had
passed some of the bad dollars in this city, which were brought in
and delivered to the Alderman. Upon his being detected and threat-
ttied to be carried before a magistrate, he endeavored to make his
escape, and went into the *01d Slip Market,' where he buried some
dollan among a parcel of rubbish, which was taken up by some peo-
ple who had observed him, and produced at his examination.
*'The public are desired to oteerve, that the mounts upon the side
•B«oordi» tN.T.QaMtto,lUrch4,mL
Digitized by
Google
104 OLD SLIP MARKET.
of these false dollars, instead of being raised, are indented, and the
millinix npon the edges open, and distinguishable from a genuine
Spanish dollar/'
On the 3d of Angust he was found guilty, and received sentenoe
of death, to be hanged on the 23d ; but was respited until the 6th of
September, " when he was executed at * stone fence,' near the dtyJ*
The gold and silver money, although scarce, gave considerable
trouble among the traders, who sometimes differed about its valuar
tion ; some of it was either much worn, or had been lessened of its
weight by the dishonest.
The question of its valuation came up before the Chamber of Com-
merce on the 3d of October, same year, (1769,) when '' it was unani-
mously agreed, that all the members will receive and pay the under-
mentioned gold and silver coins at the following rates, and their
lesser denominations in the same proportions, viz. :
£. B. d.
'* A Johannea, weighing eighteen penny-weights, for - 6 8 0
A Moidore, weighing six penny-weights and eight grains,
for 2 8 0
A CaroUne, weighing six penny-weights and eight grains,
for 1 18 0
A Spanish Doubloon^ or 4 pistole pieces, weighing seven-
teen penny-weights and eight grains, for - • - 5 16 0
A Frefich Pistole, weighing four penny-weights and five
grains, for 18 0
An English Ovinea, weighing five penny-weights and six
grains, for 1 17 0
A French Ghiinea, weighing five penny-weights and five
grains, for 1 16 0
A Chequin, weighing two penny-weights and five grains,
for 0 14 6
An English Crown, and also a French Crown, cast - 0 8 9
An English Shilling, Is. 9d. ; a Pistareen, Is. 7d.
" That for every grain any of the above specified gold coins shall
weigh less than the above respective weights, four-pence must be de-
ducted therefrom. (Signed,) Anthony Van Dam, Sec'y."
The paper currency was also a source of trouble to the citizens;
the principal part in circulation was Jersey money, which appeared
to rank higher than New York bills, as will be shown from the pro-
ceedings of the Chamber of Commerce, March 3d, 1772. At this
meeting William McAdam stated, " Soon after the establishment of
this society, I proposed to your consideration, whether it was for the
interest of the community that Jersey paper-money should pass in
Digitized by
Google
OLD SLIP MARKET. 105
fhifl province higher than it is taken for in «tihe Treasury of the prov-
ince of New Jersey. The loss and inconvenience arising to the
traders in this city, from the present practice of passing Jersey
money for more than its acknowledged value by their own Legisla-
tore, will, I hope, plead my excuse for receiving my proposal. That
this Corporation may enter into an agreement to fix a time when
they will no longer depreciate their own currency by accepting that
of another abof e par.
^ I therefore propose that a time be fixed that this Corporation
do agree to pay and receive Jersey money at the same rate it is re-
ceived and paid in their own treas^y."
This proposition was referred to further meetings; however, on
the 5th of November following, a resolution was passed, " that it be
received on the same terms that it passes for in New Jersey ; that
is to say:
"A bill of £6 proclamation money for $16, or £6 8 N. Y. currency,
A bill of X3 " " 8, or 3 4
AbiUofjCllO " " 4, or 112
A bill of 15s. " " 2, or 0 16 "
and in like proportion for bills of a less denomination," which was
to take place "from and after 3d of September following, (1773.")
This resolution was, however, rescinded, in consequence of its un-
popularity, at a meeting held on the following 7th of December.
"Rivington" came out with an editorial on the 20th January,
1774, saying, " Jersey Bills are now, in the general course of trade,
restored to the old standard at which they were ever current in this
province, viz. : Bills of one aktUing, at thirteen pence; those of one
pound ten shiUtngs, at thirty-tvH) ahiUings and stapencef Ac. At these
rates they are freely taken, either for goods, or to purchase the best
Bills of Exchange in our city."*
From the following advertisements, we glean some further facts
relative to the currency of that period : "Jacob Remsen has for sale
besides, beef, pork, flour, and bread," " and a parcel of ' wampum,'t
(or Indian currency. Y^ " Lost or mislaid, on the first of this inst., in
the * Oswego {Broadway) Market,' 3 thirty shilling Jersey Bills ; one
6 and 6 penny do., 2 18 penny do., in a blue paper. Two dollars re-
ward, and no questions asked ; it being lost by a poor man, and the
money not belong^ing to him."^ The next refers to oounterfeit
money. "The public are hereby notified that there are now passing
among us a number of oounterfeit Jersey twelve shilling bills, dated
December 81, 1768, signed Johnson, Smithy and Skinner. They are
* Gftsetteer. f <* Gazette and Weekly Port Baj,'' lUreh 13, 1768.
X K Y. Mercury, September 14, 1767.
Digitized by
Google
106 OL^ BLIP MARKET.
printed with common tjspes, but so badly executed as to be easily
discovered on close inspection. Twelve shilling bills made out of
three shilling bills have also appeared in this city lately."* " Lost
or stolen, last Monday, between the North River and ' Coenties Mar-
ket/ a worked pocket-book lined with read ; had in it cash, 1 bill
New York currency, old emmission ; 2 of forty shillings ditto,'' &c.t
The next will diow the ridicule, as also the value of a Congress
bill, by the royal editor " Rivington," in his " Royal Gazette," De-
cember 22d, 1779 : " Monday se'night was offered for public sale^ at
the Coffee-House, a Congress bill of 70 dollars ; the &rst bidder of-
fered three shillings New Yorl^ currency for it, the next 6d. more,
and it went on at 6d. more till 6s. 6d. The bidders began then
with coppers, and came up to 7s. and 3 coppers ; at last they offered
farthings, and the 70 dollar bill was knocked off for eight shillings
and three-pence half-penny."
After the "Revolution," we find "Indian money" yet for sale: the
N. Y. Packet, May 11, 1786, gives notice to "any person desirous of
purchasing a quantity of Indian Corn, may be supplied by applying
to Nicholas Hoffman & Son, No. 12 Little Dock Street, where also
may be had a quantity of Hack and white wampum^ pipes and shells."
In the preparations for the Jtevclution, the city was laid out into
districts or company beats: No. 20 is noticed as "beginning at Mr.
John Siemens', fronting the corner of the Old Slip Market, running
down to the East River ; then from said Siemens' along Queen Street
to the comer of Smith Richards, and then down King Street to the
East River, taking in Dock and Water Streets below." This beat
was commanded by Oliver Templeton and Garret Kettletas."t
The next year, this market is noticed in connection with a horrid
murder, which took place near by it, which appears in the " Penn»
Evening Post," and reads, "On Sunday last, July 7, 1776, a number
of felons, confined in the New Goal, attempted to escape. The ring-
leader, it seems, is one Armstrong, a murderer, of whom wo have
the following account, viz. : That he was a deserter from the Regu-
lars at Boston, and entered himself in one of our Rifle Companies
before that place; that he was a remarkable wicked, disorderly,
desperate fellow ; that some months ago, soon after the arrival of
the army from Boston, he broke into the house of Mr. Jacob Pozer,
at Whitehall, and took from thence all his wearing apparel; same
night he went into the house of Mr. James Meldrum, at the (Old)
^ Slip Market/ when most of the family were in bed ; that a young
woman of the house asked his buainess, and desired him to walk out,
^ N^T. Joanial, April 1», 1770. t Guette, Maroh 23, 1778.
} Prov. CoograH, Aogust 22, 1776.
Digitized by
Google
OLD SLIP MARKET. 107
which he refused, and attempted to take hold of her, when she threat-
ened to scald him with hot water from a tea-kettle, and endeavored
to leaye the room ; that he followed her and stmck the edge of a
tomahawk into her skull, of which she instantly died; that he then
mshed out of the house, was pursued by the men of die house and
others, who, by the assistance of the watch, secured him. That at
the last Supreme Court, he was brought on his trial for the murder,
but there not being a jury to be had, he was remanded till the next
session ; that having, with a number of confederates, formed a con-
spiracy to escape, on Sunday afternoon he fired a pistol at the
sentry, which luckily missed him ; that he seized the sentry's gun
and knocked him down with it, and then wrenched a sword from
the hands of Mr. Sheriff Boberts, who was endeavoring to quell the
mutiny, just going to plunge it in his body, when the sergeant of the
guard saved him, by shooting the villain through the head."
The days of prosperity of this lingering old market-house appear
at that time to have been drawing to a close, as I find it but seldom
noticed ; although as late as the year 1778, it appears to have been
in existence, as we learn firom Holt's N. Y. Journal, August 24th,
where it was noticed in connection with a very large fire as follows:
" The fire began on Monday morning about 1 o'clock, the 3d inst.,
at the house of Mr. Stewart, on Cruger's Dock, (ruw Front Street;)
that it consumed all the houses between 'Coenties' and the 'Old
Slip Market,' from the water-side to Dock (Pearl) Street." Another
account says, the "fire broke out in the store of Mr. Jones, ship chand-
ler, on Gruger's Wharff, and, notwithstanding the utmost efforts of
the Navy, Army, and inhabitants, soon consumed all the buildings
on the east, south and west end of said wharff, and every house on
the south side of Little Dock ( Water) Street. The street being nar^
row, the flames soon communicated to the north side of Little Dock
Street, and consumed the whole (five houses excepted) at the west
end. The fire soon caught the back buildings in Dock Street, and
burnt every house to the east of Mr. Isaac Low's, as fiftr as the Old
Slip, and three opposite the Slip."* The next issue states those who
suffered from loss, as follows: '* Col. William Bayard, 6 houses and
store that rented for £520, (this worthy gentleman suffered greatly
in the fire of September, 1776.) Messrs. John and Henry Cruger, 6
houses; Mr. Gerardus Duyckinck, 7 houses; Mr. Peter Mesier, 2
dwelling-houses, (this family and their relations have lost in the
course of 28 months no less than 15 houses and stores, some of them
large and elegant buildings,) and Mr. David Provoost, 4 houses, and
2 pulled down ; Oapt Thomas Brown, 4 houses ; Mr. Yarack, 1 house;
* N. T. Guette, Angoit 3, m&
Digitized by
Google
108 OLD SLIP MARKET.
estate of Mr. Andrew Myer, 1 house ; Mr. Henry Van Vleck, 1 house ;
Mr. Samuel Schuyler, 2 houses ; Mr. Thomas Doughty, 1 house ; Mr.
Isaac Low's house, and that of Mr. Lawrence Eortwright, adjoining,
greatly damaged; Capt. Deale, 2 houses; Mr. Edmund Seaman, 2
houses ; Mr. Andrew Breasted, 3 houses ; Mr. Humphrey Jones, 1
house ; Dr. Van Solingen, 1 house ; Mr. Richard Ten Eyck, baker,
1 house ; Mr. Wandelham, 1 house ; Mr. James Wells, a house and
2 stores; Mr. Benjamin Moore, 1 house; Mr. Benjamin Davis, 1
house; Mrs. P. De Lanceys, 1 house; Mrs. Ten Eyck, 2 dwelling-
houses and several stores.''
Another account of this fire is taken from a letter, dated at " Camp
at the White Plains, August 8, 1778," which says, " Yesterday came
out from thence (New York) two Hessian officers, (who deserted,) lefk
the city about 8 o'clock in the evening, the 6th inst., and passed
King's Bridge about one in the morning. One of them, a handsome
young fellow, whose brother is aid-de-camp to Gen. Clinton, tells me
he saw the fire. That it began in a house filled with king's stores;
68 houses and a vast quantity of stores, amongst which 80,000 blankets
or pairs of blankets, I think the latter ; 10,000 suits of cloaths, and
a great deal of provisions, computed at four weeks' supply."*
David Grim says, in addition, " The cause of so many houses
(about 300) burned at this time, was the military officers tsJcing the
ordering and directions of this fire from the firemen; the citizens
complained to the Commander-in-Chief, who immediately gave in
general orders, that in future, no military man should interfere
with any fire that may happen in the city."
The Major-General commanding, in a proclamation, says, " Many
of the inhabitants suspected that this fire was not the efifect of acci-
dent, but design ;" which induced him to offer a reward of one hun-
dred guineas on conviction of the offenders. This amount was in-
creased by a somewhat notorious member of the law, (John CoggU
KnappJ who occasionally showed some outward liberality, but
whose reputation was not of the best. He promises an additional
reward of twenty guineas^ upon the same terms as set forth by the
major-general commanding.
This large fire was followed the next day with another calamity,
thus noticed: ''Last Tuesday afternoon, about one o'clock, during
a heavy rain accompanied with thunder, the lightning struck the
Ordnance Sloop Morning Star, lying off the Coffee-House, ( Wall
Street J in the East River, with 248 barrels of gunpowder on board ;
it produced a most tremendous explosion. A number of houses were
unroofed, many windows broke, and some furniture demolished by
* Feonft. Packet, AuBoit 16, 1778.
Digitized by
Google
GOBNTIES SLIP MARKET. IQQ
the blast ; the effects of which were similar to an earthquake. Hap-
pily there was only one man in the vessel when the accident hap-
pened/'* who perished; the other part of the crew being on shore,
fortunately escaped.
At this period an extract of a letter says, *' The inhabitants are
most distressed at their present situation, and a vast many want to
take their chance in the country, but cannot obtain permission, "t
Their situation continued to grow worse, and in the long, severely
cold winter of 1779-80, caused an inefficient supply of both provi-
sions and fire-wood. *' Fuel was so scarce (aaya a voriter) that gar^
den fences, old sheds, Ac, were taken down to supply the want of
cord-wood. Provisions were as scarce as fuel. Everybody, except
the rich and the dissolute, was put upon short allowance. Potatoes
were sold for a guinea per bushel I while biscuits, made of oatmeal,
as coarse and containing as little nourishment as ground straw,
were served out to the (British) troops. Early in the spring the
Cork Fleet arrived, and brought provisions in abundance. Fine
rose butter was sold immediately at 2s. 2d. per lb., and almost every-
body was soon relieved and made comfortable.''^
No doubt among the "old £iheds," &c., this then old and unused
market-house was torn down and taken for fire-wood, as I find no
further notice of it.
"COENTIES SLIP MARKET."
1691. The establishment of this market-place took place, no
doubt, from the fact, that after the " Oreat Dock" had been made,
it excluded many of the fishing craft firom landing at that old place,
andi of course, changed their location above the dock. There the
large vessels could lay in a well-protected cove, and the smaller
ones were drawn upon the beach or strand near the attractive pub-
lic-house, kept many years before by Mary Polet, commonly known
as Long Mary.
The first notice in the "Records" of the establishment of this noted
marketrplace was on the 15th of July, 1691, when the authorities
designate where Fhsh Meat shall be sold, and adds, " Fish to be
brought into the dock, over against the City Hall, or the house
that JLonjr Mary formerly lived."
• N. T. Gazette. Ad^cusI 10, 1778. f Penna. Packet, Augoit 15, 177&
X Pampbleta, Mo. 28S, p. 67, & Society.
Digitized by
Google
110 OOBNTIES SLIP MARKET.
Long Mary must hare been quite a character in her day, as I find
her name often noticed, as early as the year 1671. In that year a
committee was appointed '^ to take a view of the corner waal ^n^^
the Towne is to make before the house of Ixmg Mary's;^* and a few
months after, *' the Court do allow to the karmen, for the work done
for the Towne in filling up the Wharfe before Long Marias, eight
stivers per load" for gravel. No doubt her person and well-kept
house attracted the attendants at the Oity Hall, the fishermen and
others, who resorted there, and being very tall, she acquired the
name of Long Mary with her numerous visitors.
The old Stadt House, or City Hall, stood near by on the line of
Pearl Street, opposite the Coenties Slip, which fact is well authen-
ticated. It was originally built for a large City Tavern, of which
parts were used by the officers of the W. I. Company ; soon after it
became known as the State House or City Hall, where the Schout
Burgomasters and Schepens held their sessions; then, at a later
period, the Mayor, Recorder, and Aldermen, with the Courts of Jus-
tice and Prisons; and near this market-place, on the shore, were
many of the necessary implements of punishment. We find on the
20th of October, 1691, that it was "Ordered, that the Sheriff" imme-
diately cause a ducking stoole to be built upon the Wharf before the
City Hall, and goe to the Treasurer for his pay."
This marketrplace having been established for the exclusive sale
of fish, the fishermen usually sold from their boats and canoes on the
few market-days then allowed, except in their fishing seasons, when
they provided sheds or other covering, while salting and laying up
stores for the inhabitants ; and the business increased so fast that it
became soon after known as the " Great Pish Market."
We find at this early period the various kinds of fish were usually
very plentiful and cheap, particularly shell-fish, which were caught
in abundance along the shores in every direction. So quiet was the
harbor, that whales came up to the city and visited both the East
and North Rivers. Several were taken near the city at different in-
tervals, as will be shown, with several other interesting facts connect*
ed with the subject of fish. In another part of this work is noticed the
description given by Van der Donk of the stranding of two whales
up the North River. From the " Boston News Letter," dated Feb-
ruary 24, 1707, we find, " Last week a whale, about 40 feet long,
was struck a few miles to the eastward of this city, and afterwards
passed thro' the harbour, and was killed in the Hudson River and
brought down hither, where she is exposed to view." Then, in an
address made by Lord Combury to the Board of Trade, in July, 1708,
he says, " The quantity of train oyl made in Long Island is uncer-
Digitized by
Google
C0ENTIE8 SLIP MARKET. m
tab ; some years they have much more fish than others ; for example,
last year they made four thousand barrils of oyl, and this season
they haye not made above six hundred: about the middle of Octo-
ber they begin to look out for fish ; the season lasts all November,
December, January, February, and part of March : a yearling {whale)
will make about forty barrils of oyl, a stunt or whale two years old
will make sometimes fifty, sometimes sixty barrils of oyl, and the
largest whale I ever knew of in these parts, yielded one hundred
and ten barrils of oyl, and twelve hundred weight of bone. There
might be good improvement made in the fishery of codfish A mack-
eril ; but fish of several sorts is so plenty in the river and bay be-
fore the city, that our people will not take the pains to go to sea."^
Samuel Mufibrd also gives interesting information in his testi-
mony on the whale fishery in 1716, when he says, '' It hath been a
custom for above 60 years (several years before New York was sub-
jected to the crown of England) for their Migesties' subjects on the
east end of Long Island, then belonging to Connecticut Colony, to
go out upon the seas adjacent to their land, six men in a small boat,
to take and kill whales and other fish, and^ the captors to have all
they killed brought on shore with wind and sea/'t There also ap-
pears at an early period, an "Agreement made the 4th of January,
1669, between y^ Whale Companies of East and South Hampton.
If any Companie shall find a dead whale upon the shore, killed by
y« other, a person bringing the news to bee well rewarded. And if
one Companie shall find any whale so killed at sea, they shall en-
deavor to secure them and have one-half for their pains, and any
irons (harpoons) found in them to bee returned to y« owner."J
In the year 1721, a proposition was made by Josiah Quincy to
supply the New York markets with fresh fish. He presents a peti-
tion to the Corporation on the 8th July, 1721, "praying for land at
or near Kingbridge to erect a fishery, with liberty to fish in the
river at that place; and proposes to supply the markets at New
York with fish very fresh and at very easy rates, and in payment,
rendering therefore yearly, on every fourteenth day of October, to
this Corporation a good dish of fresh fish J^^
The "Journal of the General Assembly" shows an Act was passed,
in the month of April, 1726, "to entitle Letvts Sector Piot Be Lan-
gloiserie to the sole fishery of porpoises in the Province of New York,
during the term of ten years." The length of this gentleman's name
DO doubt was taken in consideration, when the length of time was
given to him for this value(le88)able right, that he might retire on
* Doo. H!8t, Tol. ▼. t I>oc Hist N. T., toL L, {k S72.
I Thonpoon's L. I. ^ Ciij Becorda
Digitized by
Google
112 COENTIES SLIP MARKET.
the proceeds, and be no longer doomed to sign his name to the many
docoments called for in that business.
An intelligent writer gives a good article on fish and oysters,
which is found in the "Independent Reflector, November 22, 1753 ;''
he says, "Tho' we abound in no one kind of fish sufficient for a staple,
yet such is our happiness in this article, that not one of the colonies
affords a fish-market of such a plentiful variety as ours. BoatonhaA
none but sea-fish, and of these Philaddphia is entirely destitute, be-
ing only furnished with the fish of a fresh-water river. New York
is sufficiently supplied with both sorts. Nor ought our va3t plenty
of oysters to pass without particular observation ; in their quality
they are exceeded by those of no country whatever. People of all
ranks amongst us, in general, prefer them to any other kind of food.
Nor is anything wanting, save a little of the filings of copper, to
render them equally relishing, even to an English palate, with the
best from Cdchesier. They continue good eight months in the year,
and are, for two months longer, the daily food of our poor. Their
beds are within view of the town, and I am informed that an oyster-
man, industriously employed, may clear eight or ten shillings a day.
Some gentlemen, a few years ago, were at the pains of computing
the value of this shell-fish to our province in general. The esti-
mate was made with judgment and accuracy, and their computation
amounted to ten thousand pounds per annum. Their increase and
consumption are since very much enhanced, and thus also their ad-
ditional value in proportion. I confess it has often given me great
pleasure to reflect, how many of my poor countrymen are comforta-
bly supplied by this article, who, without it, could scarcely subsist,
and for that reason beg to be excused for the length of this reflec-
tion on so humble a subject, tho' it might justly be urged to the
honour of oysters, that, considered in another view, they are service-
able both to our king and country."
Following up the taking of whales, we find in the N. Y. Oazette,
December 11, 1752, says, "Last Saturday a whale, forty-five feet long,
ran ashore at Yan Buskirk's point at the entrance of the KHis from
our bay, when being discovered by the people from Staten Island, a
number of men went off and killed him, and may now be seen at Mr*
John Waters', at the Perry-house on Staten Island."
Then the same "paper" at a later period, (April 18, 1756,) says,
"On last Tuesday, 5,751 shad were caught at one draught on the
west side of Long Island." Enormous!
" We hear," says the Oazette and Weekly Post Boy, September
4, 1766, "that on Monday, (September 1,) Mr. Holman, of Elizabeth-
town, N. J., with five other men and two boys, being out a-fishing, di^
Digitized by
Google
COENTIES SLIP IIARKET. II3
covered a whale swimming about, near Coney Island, on which soon
after it ran ashore, and before it could get off, they came up and
killed it with a rusty sword, that happened to be on board the ves-
sel. We are told Mr. (Saml.) Waldron at the Ferry, opposite this
city, on Long Island, has bought it, (for about £20,) and that it is
now brought up to that place: it is said to be forty-nine feet in
length, and that if cut up, would produce about seventy barrels of
oyl."
Occasionally a short supply of oil (or oyl, or oyle, as it was spelled
in the '* olden time,") was found for the city's use ; an instance of this
character occurred a few years after, when there was none to light
the public lamps for a period of about three months. A citizen asks
the question, through the N. Y. Journal, (October 8, 1772,) " Why
the publick lamps in this city have not been lighted for these three
months past, when a tax is levied for that purpose?" It is answered
in the next paper, (October 15,) through the editor, as if coming from
the Corporation, as follows: '^ You are desired by the Corporation
to answer the question of the citizen, by informing him that no oil
was to be had."
Among the news dated New York, October 25, in the New Hamp-
shire Gazette, November 5, 1773, which says, "Several days last
week a large whale was seen in the North as well as the East River,
near the city." Since this period several have been taken near our
harbor, and towed up to the city for exhibition ; the last noticed
was on the 25th of April, 1857, when the "Herald" says, "Captain
Cobb, of the fishing schooner Wm. Riley, and Captain Harris, of
schooner B. F. Brotcn, while cruising off Sandy Hook on Saturday
last, came in contact with a stranger, which proved to be a right
whale. Preparation was immediately made for his capture, and in
about three hours the prize was taken. He was immediately towed
to Staten Island, where he was cut up, and yesterday the blubber
and bone were brought to the city. The tohale measured 48 feet in
length, 10 feet across the breast, and will yield about 40 barrels of
oil and five hundred pounds of bone."
Reverting again to this market-place, as no market-house had yet
been built here, until we find from the orders given on the 16th of
November, 1720, to have the "Custom-House Bridge Market" taken
down, and the inhabitants have liberty to remove the old market-
house to a more convenient place near the water-side.
The Laws published this year do not yet give it a name, but de-
scribe it as "at the slip at the east end of the dock." Ten years
after, the Laws say of the " five several places" to hold markets, " One
market at Coenties Dock." Then on Lyne's Map of the City, pub-
VoL, L— 8
Digitized by
Google
114 COENTIES SLIP MARKET.
lished in 1729, it is noticed as the ''Fish Market," and is so known
on all the early maps.
Two years after, in the N. Y. Gazette, dated Angnst 28, 1782, it
appears with its common name, although differently spelled, in an
advertisement of William Thnrston, school-master, dwelling at the
corner house by Eoenties Market, oyer against the "Scotch Arms;"
and the reasonable supposition is, that if the school-master was
abroad then, he would hare showed his teaming^ in haying the name
spelled as it was then known.
It no doubt took the name of Coenties from a wealthy tanner and
shoemaker, named Coentract Ten Eyckey who owned and resided on
the corner of now Pearl Street by the side of this market-place.
The Christian names of the inhabitants were then mostly used, and
for shortness, or a nickname, no doubt this was given him : this has
been pronounced coornre^ cocmrtre^ coon-je, or eoenties.
Its proper name after this period it began to eigoy, although
variously spelled, as will be shown in the press '' of the olden time,"
of which nearly every one and the greater part of the advertisements
and other notices also show, that the market-places, and other pub-
lic places, were the guide-posts to trace out individuality, prior to
the Revolution ; after that period the houses were properly number-
ed. The first is taken from the N. Y. Weekly Journal, April 24,
1734, which speaks of a *' House to be sold in Duke (Stone) Street,
fronting the alley that leads to Coentjies Market J^ The same paper,
March 29, 1736, says, that " Stephen Bayard has Muscovada Sugar
to be sold, between the *01d Slip and Eoentjies Markets.'" The
Mercury, May 13, 1754, has " to be sold, by James Jarvis, next door
to Doctor William Farqnar's, between Goenties Market and the
Long Bridge, (Broad Street,) a variety of chints and callicoes.*'
The same, August 11, 1755, "By Robert Doyle, pewterer, at the
sign of the Gilt Dish, in Dock (Pearl) Street, between the Old Slip
and Coenties Markets.'' ** Golden and Kelly," says the same paper
of January, 1756, have for sale, " at their store near Goentjies Mar-
ket," Ac. In the Gazetteer, July 16, 1759, Thomas Doughty adver-
tises " to be sold, cheap, at his store in Dock Street, between the
(Old) Slip and Goenties Market." The " Mercury," November 21,
1763, notices a sale at public vendue, " at Goentjies Market, of sugars
& Lisbon wines." The " Gazette and Weekly Post Boy," April 23,
1766, has " to be sold at public vendue, on Friday, the 4th inst., at '
12 o'clock, at the Goenties Market, twenty-five hogsheads of Mus-
covada Sugars." Then, in the Revolution, we find in the N. Y. Ga-
zette, January 12, 1778 : " Stolen out of the house of Henry Minugh,
in Little Dock (Front) Street, near Goenties Market, a silver
Digitized by
Google
GOBNTIES SLIP MARKET. 115
watch;'' and on the 25th of May, "A negro woman to be sold in
Dock Street, between Goenties and (Old) Slip Markets."
At this period the Coenties Market did not stand very high, ex-
cept as a "Fish Market;" we find, however, one butcher named
Thomas Cox, in March, 1737, renting one stand, for one year, at £2 ;
and the next year bat two are leased: one to Samuel Brown at JGI,
and the other to Cox at £2 10. Then, in the month of May, 1740,
Boelef Van Meppel is found occupying one stand.
This Cox was unfortunately killed a few years after, the account
of which I find in the Weekly Post Boy, October 28, 1745. It ap-
pears that a young man had been aboard of the Clinton privateer,
and brought off two pistols, one of which was loaded; '' he set down
in order to mend the flint; in doing of which the pistol unhappily
went off, and shot Mr. Thomas Cox, butcher, through the head —
when he fell dead without speaking."
The English being at war with the French, privateers were in
active operation, collecting recruits and fitting out for the service,
while the Government vessels of war that lay in the harbor were in
the habit of impressing boatmen an^ seamen from off their vessels
when they arrived in port, which soon had the effect of deterring
the market and other vessels from coming to the city, and occasion-
ed a short supply of the necessaries of life. This brought forth a proc-
lamation from Sir Peter Warren, which appeared in the Post Boy,
September 10, 1744: "Whereas, I am informed that several boat-
men and others, intending to come to the market of New York with
wood and other necessaries, have been under apprehension that they
should be impressed for his Majestie's service ; I do hereby give no-
tice, that none shall be impressed but such as belong to inward-
bound vessels from sea. Given under my hand, on board his Ma-
jestie*8 ship Launoeaton, at New York, the 24th September, 1744.
"Peter Warren."*
However, this impressment did take place, although many years
after, to some four fishermen, who were supplying the market with
fish. They were, in the month of July, 1764, " seized by a press-
gang in the harbor and carried aboard a tender (from Halifax)
which lay off in the bay. It came to the knowledge of some of the
citizens, who, when the captain came on shore in his barge, suddenly
ussembled and seized the boat, but offered no ii\jury to the captain.''
He publicly declared, "he gave no such orders; offered to release
the fishermen ; and, going into the Goffee-House, wrote and delivered
* *' Sff Peter Warren," who^e wife, " Ladj Warren,'* after his death, long redded in
titt *' old Fan JVe»9 hoose," jet standing between Fourth and Bleeoker, Charles and
Perry Streets
Digitized by
Google
116 COENTIES SLIP MARKET.
an order for that purpose." In the mean time some of the people
carried the boat up to the Fields, (Park J where they burnt it; and
others of the company went on board the tender with the captain's
order, and brought the fishermen on shore.
This market-place being the principal fish market at that early
period, it has been thought not improper to introduce into its his-
tory all that pertained to fish among the sketches noticed in its his-
tory. About the year 1748, Professor Kalm says, "Among the nu-
merous shells which are found on the sea-shore, there are some which
by the English here are called clams, and which bear some resem-
blance to the human ear. They have a considerable thickness, and
are chiefly white except the pointed end, which, both without and
within, has a blue color, between purple and violet. They are met
with in vast numbers on the sea-shore of New York, Long Island,
and other places. The shell contains a large animal, which is eaten
both by the Indians and Europeans settled here.
"A considerable commerce is carried on in this article, the Dutch
and English who live in Long Island and other maritime provinces.
As soon as the shells are caught, the fish is taken out of them, drawn
upon a wire, and hung up in the open air, in order to dry by the
heat of the sun. When this is done, the flesh is put into proper ves-
sels, and carried to Albany upon the river Hudson ; there the In-
dians buy them, and reckon them one of their best dishes. Besides
the Europeans, many of the native Indians come annually down to
the sea-shore, in order to catch clams, proceeding with them after-
wards in the same manner I have just described. The shells of these
clams are used by the Indians as money, and make what they call
their wampum ; they likewise serve their women for an ornament,
when they intend to appear in full dress. These wampums are
properly made of the purple parts of the shells, which the Indiana
value more than the white parts."
Between the years 1768 and the breaking out of the Revolution,
this market-place appeared to be at the height of prosperity. A
large amount of mercantile business was transacted both at public
and private sale ; and the more particular evidence of this fact is
shown by the citizens of this (Dock) Ward asking leave, on the 22d
, " to enlarge Coenties Market at their own expense ;*'
rish it to be recognized as one of the meal markets*
nted so far as related to the enlargement; but for
icers were provided with two other places, the "Meal
' and the ** Broadway Market;" the latter afterwards
>swego Market.
)d after, we find another petition from the inhabit-
Digitized by
Google
COENTIBS SLIP MARKET. 117
ants, who state "that they have famished at great expense the addi-
tion to Coentjies Market for the use of the country people, only five
feet to the westward of the old market, agreeable to the directions
of the committee; yet notwithstanding said expense, much beyond
their expectation — considering the irreparable condition of the old
marke^hou8e, which is daily in danger of falling — have by subscrip-
tion raised the sum of fifty pounds towards rebuilding the said mar-
ket upon a range with the new end lately finished." They wish the
Board to assist them ; and while the subject was under considera-
tion, the market-house and other buildings had a narrow escape of
being destroyed by fire and gunpowder, of which the "N. Y. Journal,"
January 22, 1772, gives the following account: **At the late fire
(16th inst.) on the Dock, (house of Mr. John Burna) near Coenties
Market, the city was in imminent danger of a most dreadful calamity,
there being then lodged in a store-house, joining or very near the
fire, a large quantity of gunpowder, the explosion of which would
probably not only have destroyed most of the buildings near the
place, but hundreds or thousands of people by whom the docks and
streets were crowded."
On the 16th of April following, a committee was appointed " to
examine and view in what condition the Coenties Market is in, and
whether any necessarys ought to be made, and how much, and make
report with all convenient speed ;" and the result was, that they
" order a cover to be made over the fish market at Coenties Slip."
For many years the fishermen had met with very poor success
and encouragement in bringing fish to market, which had caused
the business to be neglected, and necessarily a short supply was
the result. It was thought some public assistance ought to be
given to encourage the fishery.
The General Assembly took up the matter, and on the 8th of
March, 1773, passed an Act, as appears from the proceedings of
the Chamber of Commerce, Tuesday, April 6, of that year. " Mr.
Henry White, the President, stated at this meeting, that the House
of Assembly, in the last session, did grant the sum of £200 per
annum, for five years, to be paid to the Treasurer of this Corpora-
tion, for the encouragement of a fishery on this Coast, for the bet-
ter supplying the markets of this City with Fish."
A committee reported the following, which was: "Resolved and
agreed, that the following premiums be paid by the Treasurer of
the Chamber of Commerce:"*
To the Owners and Crew of any Boat or Vessel, who shall sup-
ply this market with the greatest quantity of Fish, taken on the
» RiviDgton'8 N. Y. Gaitttcer. April 29, 1773.
Digitized by
Google
118 GOENTIES SLIP MARKET.
Coast with Trawl Nets, (Raj and Skate excepted,) from the first of
May, 1773, to the first of May, 1774, the sum of - - - £40,
To the same, "for the next greatest quantity," - - £dO.
To the same, greatest quantity of Codfish, from 1st November,
1773, to the Ist May, 1774, jE30.
To the same, next greatest quantity, .... £20.
To the same, for the greatest quantity of Live Sheephead, from
the Ist May, 1773, to the 1st May, 1774, .... £15.
To the same, for the greatest quantity of Fresh Mackerel, from
the 1st of May, 1773, to the Ist of May, 1774, - - - jElO.
On the 4th of May following, the "Chamber" "Ordered, that all
persons who mean to apply for the aforesaid premiums, that they
do, every Fare they make, carry an account thereof to the Sec'y
of the Board for the time being, who is to keep a regular account
thereof; and that the persons make oath before a mi^istrate of the
quantity brought to market each time, if required."
The next year, on the 5th of July, a committee from the " Cham-
ber," after examining the various parties and their proofs, offering
for the premiums, reported, " That Peter Parks exhibits ample proof
that he hath brought to this City, and exposed to sale in the pub-
lick markets, upwards of eight hundred Live Cod-Fish" within the
limited time, and was accordingly paid £80. "That Robert
Heartshorne exhibits proof that he hath at divers times between
(the same dates) brought four hundred and fifty-six sheephead," and
was paid <£20.
These are all that were noticed as having been awarded pre-
miums at this period. They, however, on the 14th inst., renew the
premium list, and make several alterations, by demanding above
certain numbers or pounds weight, with the same conditions as rep-
resented in their first list.
The sum of X50 is offered to those who shall supply this market
with the greatest quantity of fish, not less than seven hundred and
fifty pounds weight; and <£20 for the next greatest quantity.
The sum of JG30 for the greatest quantity of live codfish, not less
than one thousand fish ; and X20 for the next greatest quantity.
The sum of £20 for the greatest quantity of live sheepdiead,
not less than one thousand fish; and JG15 for the next greatest
quantity, not less than seven hundred and fifty ; and jGIO for the
next greatest quantity, not less than five hundred fine sheepshead.
The sum of XIO for the greatest quantity of fresh mackerel, not
less than seven thousand; and £5 for the next greatest quantity,
not less than five thousand mackerel.
The sum of <£20 for the greatest quantity of dried herrings, from
the first day of May, 1774, to the 1st day of July, 1775.
Digitized by
Google
COENTIES SLIP MARKET. II9
On the 22d of June, 1775, '' Peter Eetteltas, Joseph Bull, Oar
briel H. Ludlow, and Edward Laight, being appointed by the
Chamber of Commerce to examine fishermen clidms, that have
famished the market with fish, as the Corporation thought fit to
grant a bounty upon: Give this public notice, that they will attend
at the house of Mrs. Brock, on Friday, Monday, and Tuesday next,
at 11 o'clock, when all persons claiming are desired to attend with
their proof."*
The breaking out of the Revolution soon afterwards, put an end
to this annual awarding of premiums through the Chamber, al-
though they were occasionally called upon to advise and assist the
authorities.
The great preparations for the war caused the more general use
of the city on the East River side, which tended to drive many of
the fishing and other vessels on the North River side; and it also
assisted to destroy much of the trade of the city.
The military occupation of it by both parties, at different peri-
ods, brought forth proclamation and orders, which were issued by
those in power. General Putnam issued an order, dated " Head-Quar-
ters, New York, April 8, 1776. The General informs the inhabitants,
that it is become absolutely necessary that all communication be-
tween the ministerial fleet and shore should be immediately stop-
ped ; for that purpose, has given positive orders, the ships should
no longer be provided with provisions. Any inhabitants or others
who shall be taken that have been on board, will be considered as
enemies, and treated accordingly. All boats are to sail from Beek-
man's Slip : Capt. James Alner is appointed Inspector, and will
give permits for oystermen. It is expected, and ordered, that none
attempt going without a pass." t
On the 17th inst. another order from General Putnam follows in
Ae "Gazette" of that date. He says: "In order that it may be
more convenient for the people at the North River, His Excellency,
General Putnam, has been pleased to order that a person should be
appointed there to give permits to oyster-boats, &c., going down ;
and Mr. Simon Schermerhorn is appointed for that purpose."
The next. day, we find another order in the Penn"^ Evening
Post, signed by Horatio Gates, Acyutant-General : "Whereas, the
Ada (British mavrof-war) having quitted her station, and left the
harbor, the navigation between this city and New Jersey, by the
Kills, is become quite safe. The troops upon Staten Island and
Bergen Neck are to let all boats coming to New York or returning
to Jersey, to pass and repass without molestation."
• Bivingtoa'fe QftMlte, July 14, 1774. f N. T. Packet, April IS, 1776.
Digitized by
Google
120 COENTIES SLIP MARKET.
The same " paper," on the 6th of August following, says, " The
public are desired to take notice that no person whatever, either
male or female, above the age of fourteen years, will be permitted
to pass any of the ferries in the State of New Jersey without a prop-
er pass from the place they leave."
Three years after, the city being in possession of British officers,
fresh provisions, and also fresh fish, had become scarce, and the mar^
kets very poorly supplied ; and, by way of encouragement, the mili-
tary commandant (through the Royal Gazette, April 12, 1779,) gave
" Notice that permissions will be granted by the police to any per^
sons properly recommended, who may incline to employ themselves
in fishing, with seines or otherwise, any where within the protection
of his Majesty's ships, for the purpose of supplying the markets of
this city."
Soon after the military commandant, " Major-General Pattison,''
desires the " Chamber of Commerce" to give their opinion "respect*
ing the expediency of regulating the markets with regard to the
prices to be paid for butchers' meat," Ac. This subject was laid be-
fore this body, July 12, 1779, when a committee was appointed, and
on the following meeting (lUth July) they reported as follows:
" With regard to regulating the prices of butchers' meat, experience
justifies our apprehension that the remedy may prove worse than the
disease ; but we are of opinion, that limiting the time of butchers,
greenwomen, or hucksters, being in the market, may be attended
with very good effects. We therefore beg leave to recommend,
that no butchers, greenwomen, poulterers, sellers of vegetables, or
any huckster, to be in the market (Saturday afternoons excepted)
after 10 o'clock in the morning, from the month of April to Octo-
ber; and not after 11 o'clock the remaining part of the year; and
that no fresh provisions, (fish excepted,) vegetables, or poultry should
be suffered to be put into stores or cellars, on penalty of being for-
feited for the use of the Alms-House."
Two days after the following proclamation was issued by General
Pattison : " Whereas it is highly expedient that further regulations
should be established respecting the boats and small craft passing
to and from this city : I have therefore thought fit to order and
direct, that from and after the first day of August next, all boats
and small craft bringing provisions, fuel, forage, or fish to this city,
and other market supplies, must have passes from the office of police,
specifying the names of the persons and the places to and from which
they are to pass and repass. That every such boat or small craft a^
shall be detected without such pass, or in going to or coming from
any place or places, but such as are particularly mentioned in their
Digitized by
Google
GOENTIES SLIP MARKET. 121
passes, will be seized, and the persons found therein detained, and
are to be reported to the police, in order that the same may be laid
before the commandant.
" That any person or persons intending to bring supplies to this
city, and who shall obtain a pass from any of His Majesty's officers
commanding at out-posts, or the commanding officer on Long Island,
or from the Colonel of the Militia of the County in which they re-
side, shall be permitted to bring supplies to this citj^, either by land
or in any craft, having a pass aforesaid.
" That every person or persons discovered on board any boat or
small craft coming to or going from the city, without such pass as
aforesaid, or a pass from the office of police, shall, together with
said boat or small craft, and the hands thereunto belonging, be de-
tained and reported as abovesaid.
*' That from and after the publication hereof, all boats or small
craft attempting to pass from this city after dark, and before gun-
fire in the morning, (except such as are in His Majesty's service,)
will be seized by the gun-boats and forfeited, and the persons found
therein imprisoned.
" That all boats or small craft that shall be discovered passing to
this city after dark or before gun-fire in the morning, (except such
as are in His Majesty's service, or that are coming with provisions,
ftael, forage, fish, or supplies for the market, having passes for that
purpose,) will be seized and forfeited, and the persons found therein
imprisoned as abovesaid.
" That all forfeitures incurred by virtue of this proclamation shall
be divided : one moiety thereof to the person or persons making the
seizure, and the other to be paid into the hands of John Smyth, Es-
quire, Treasurer of the City Fund, for the use of the poor.
''Any person or persons ofiending against this proclamation, may
depend on being punished with the utmost rigor. Given under my
hand, in the City of New York, the twenty-second day of July, 1779,
and in the nineteenth year of His Majesty's reign. James Paitison.
" By order of the General, John L. C. Roome, Secretary."
^ During the whole period of the occupation of the city by the
British, viz., from 1776 to 1783," (says Mr. King,) " the Chamber
seems to have co-operated very zealously with the British authori-
ties, naval and military ; and they on ^eir part seem to have re-
lied very much upon the influence and exertions of the Chamber to
render their rule of the city easy and acceptable."*
In 1781, Mr. Isaac Low, then the President of the "Chamber of
Commerce," presented, (on the 8th of May,) at a meeting of the
* History of the ** Chamber of Commerce," by Charles King, Esq.
Digitized by
Google
122 GOENTIES SLIP MARKET.
Board, several suggestions in relation to the fishery. He says, " I
am directed also to represent the fishery upon the Banks of Shrews-
bury as an object of great importance to this garrison ; and that un*
less a proper armed vessel can be appointed daily to protect the
fishermen from the gun and whale boats that are preparing npon the
adjacent shores to attack them, they will find it totally impractica*
ble to pursue that business." This subject was addressed to His
Excellency Mar\ot Arbuthnot, Esq., Admiral, &c. ; whose answer is
as follows: "With respect to the protection of the fishermen em-
ployed on the Banks of Shrewsbury, for supplying your market, I
cannot help mentioning to you, that early after I took the command
on this station, I purchased a vessel mounting twelve carriage guns ;
she was fitted out at a considerable expense; I requested that the
city would man her ; that I would pay the men, and that her service
should never be directed to any other purpose than giving such pro-
tection ; my ofifer was received with a strong degree of coolness, and
till now I have never had any further solicitation on the subject/'
The "Chamber" thought this answer from the Admiral was from
the efiect, that their suggestions had been misunderstood by him,
and they again wrote: "They meant no oflFence;" "that they knew
of no application about the vessel, Ac, but if he would furnish this
vessel, they doubt not they will be able in a short time not only to
procure as many men as your Excellency may think sufficient for
that purpose, but also to raise funds for paying them ; provided pro-
tection from impress can be granted by your Excellency to the men«
and that they shall be discharged as soon as the fishing season is
over."
No doubt the "Old Market-House" was yet standing, although it
had not been used as a market-place since the commencement of the
" War," when it was taken possession of by the military as a bar-
racks, store-house, Ac. The Royal Gazette, July 1, 1780, notices it
as a Begimental StorCj in an advertisement for a " deserter, named
Bichard Hutchinson, private soldier from the 6^th BegimerUal Store^
at Coenties Market. Whoever will give information of the said
Hutchinson to Sergeant McDonald, at the said store, so that he may
be apprehended, shall receive one guinea reward. M. Wood, Ensign
64th Regiment."
The same " paper," on the 19th of August following, notices " a
ship's boat taken up on the Bergen shore: whoever can prove their
property and pay charges may have her again by applying to Eben-
ezer Wan, in the * Coenties Market.' "
Then again four days after, notices " Rum, dry goods, Ac, for sale
at John Williams and Co's Store, No. — , * Coenties Market.'"
Digitized by
Google
C0ENTIE8 SLIP MARKET. 123
Soon after this period the market-hoase must have been destroyed,
and the place where it stood was again proclaimed a ptMic market'
place^ as will appear in the following " Market Regulations, dated
May 28, 1781, by Samuel Birch, Esqr., Brigadier-General Com-
mandant of New York," Ac.
"* Whereas divers persons, influenced by a desire of inordinate
gain, have been guilty of engrossing and forestalling all kinds of
victuals and provisions in this town, whereby the prices thereof are
excessively enhanced, and other great and criminal abuses have been
committed by persons as well acting as butchers as by others who
frequent the markets in this city, to the manifest iigury of the inhab-
itants, particularly those in indigent circumstances. For prevention
whereof in future, I do hereby order :
" I. That all fresh meats, victuals, and provisions of all kinds,
(fish excepted,) shall be openly sold in one or other of the public
market-places, and no where else in this cily, {the place where Coen-
ties Market stood to be considered as one,) on penalty of forfeiture;
one moiety to the informer, and the other for the benefit of the poor
of the city.
'* II. That no person shall presume to sell any fresh meats, victuals,
or provisions, (fish excepted,) in either of the said markets before
sunrise; and the said markets shall continue open until twelve
o'clock in the forenoon, and no longer, (except on Saturday,) on pain
of forfeiture as aforesaid.
^* III. That no negro, or other slave living in town, shall be per^
mitted to buy or sell victuals or provisions of any kind for the use
of his or her master or employer without a ticket in writing for that
purpose from his or her said master or employer; nor shall persons
residing in the country suffer their negroes or other slaves to sell
the produce of their plantations in the said markets without such a
licence or authority specifying the nature and quantity of the arti-
cles sent under their care and directions and observing the foregoing
r^ulations, on pain of forfeiture to be applied as above.
" rV. That no butcher or other persons shall presume to hhw^ or
cause to be blown, any meat brought to the said markets; nor shall
they add to or sti^ the said meats or the kidney thereof with any
/o^, or other thing whatsoever ; but the same shall be brought to
the said markets in the natural state as killed, on pain of forfeiture
to be applied as above.
"Y. That no person or persons bringing fish to the said markets
for sale, shall, on any pretence whatsoever, store the same or lodge
them in any cellar, warehouse, or other places whatsoever ; but shall
expose the same either in the public markets or in the boats they are
brought in, on forfeiture to be ai^lied as above.
Digitized by
Google
124 C0ENTIE8 SLIP MARKET.
" YI. That no person acting as a batcher and residing on this
island, do presume to kill any kind of cattle, but at a public slaughter-
house, on pain of forfeiture the same, to be applied as above.
'' YII. That Ephraim Smith, the Clerk of the Market, shall once
in every month at least, examine the weights and measures made use
of in the said markets, and seize to his own benefit all such as he
shall find deficient by the standard.
"VIII. That all and every person and persons exercising the
trade and occupation of a butcher in this city shall be obliged, within
twenty days from the date hereof, to take out licenses for that pur-
pose from the office of police, and enter into bond in the penalty of
two hundred pounds, with one sufficient security, unto the office of
police, conditioned for the due and faithful observance of these regu-
lations on their parts ; and all fresh meats, victuals, or provisions
sold or exposed for sale by any person or persons without entering
into bond, and obtaining such license as above, shall be forfeited
and applied as above.
" IX. That the Clerk of the Markets be as active as possible in
promoting the due and faithful observance of these regulations and
detecting offenders; and prevent any contentions between the in-
habitants and military. Two orderly sergeants, one British and one
German, will daily attend the Clerk of the Market superintending
thereof, until these regulations and good order are effectually estab-
lished therein ; which sergeants are to be paid for such service two
shillings currency a day each, out of the money arising from the re-
ceipts of the stalls and standings in the said market.
" X. And whereas the penalties and forfeitures hereinbefore in-
flicted may not be sufficient to restrain the lawless and avaricious
pursuit of those who had a practice of committing the criminal
abuses alluded to in the said markets : In order, therefore, effectually
to enforce the due observance of these regulations, it is determined
that if any person belonging to the military be guilty of transgress-
ing the same, such person shall be tried and punished by the sentence
of a court-martial, as for a breach of order ; and if any inhabitant
or other person shall violate the said regulations, or enter into any
combination or conspiracy to defeat or invalidate the same, or to
enhance the price of any of the victuals, provisions, or commodities
usually offered for sale in the said markets, such inhabitant or other
person shall be immediately put in confinement and expelled the
line, as soon as an opportunity offers for that purpose ; and it is or-
dered, that no market be held on Sundays, except for selling fresh
fish. S. BiBCH*
" May 28th, 1781. By order of the Commandant.
"John St. Clair, Secretary.^
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 125
After this " proclamation " it is noticed sometimes as the Coenties
Market, and again as Coenties Market-Place. In the Royal Ga-
zette, nearly a month after, (June 20,) it is said, " One, two, or more
rooms, either on the first or second floor of an exceeding good house,
to be let, situated in Dock Street, near the Coenties Market." The
same paper two years after, (May 14, 1783,) refers to the remoyal
of James Griffiths '' to the house No. 15 in Little Dock Street, be*
tween the Old Slip and Coenties Market-Plaoe." Five days after-
wards, the N. Y. Gazette and Weekly Mercury fixes this market-
place as the starting-point for Newark. " Peter Stuyvesant, who
for many years drove a stage waggon from Powles Hook to Brown's
Ferry, proposes to b^in again next Wednesday for the like purpose,
and will sett ofi* from Comonapa, at nine o'clock in the morning and
four in the afternoon, on every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday,
and drive to Brown's Ferry, where Joseph Crane will be ready with
another waggon to receive all passengers, and proceed to Newark.
The price for each person is 2s. 6d. in the whole. A boat will at-
tend at Coenties Market to receive all passengers on the days above
mentioned, at seven o'clock in the morning."
This " Market-place" was not used as such after peace was pro-
claimed, but the Slip was a grand d^pot^ principally for all the mar-
ket-boats, which brought farming produce and live stock that came
down the East River, and this continued until about the year 1835.
FLY MARKET."
1699. The adoption of the singular name of Fly, which was
given to this once famous old market-place, no doubt proceeded from
the name of a long, low, salt-water marsh or meadow, which at an
early period extended from about Wall Street, along the East
River shore, on the crooked line of Pearl Street — then the high-
water mark — up to the risinpr ground about Beekman Street. The
Records show, as early as 1655, that this marsh was called by the
old Dutchmen Smee^a Vlie, SmidVs Vley, which the English portion
of the citizens called Smithes Ply, (SmitVa Valley, or Smithes
Meadotc,^^) adopting the sound of the name, without the sense;
and the name of Fly, Smithes Fly, or in the Fly, was known for
this portion of the city ; (and it also became occasionally used, when
denoting the present Pearl Street,) until near 1800.
Digitized by
Google
126 FL7 MARKET.
The name of VUej or Vley, and Fly, no donbt meant to desig-
nate meadow-land, aa we find occasionally SmiiKs Meadow^ or
MiddoWy noticed. From an inventory of goods belonging to the
estate of Elizabeth Thyson, deceased, made January 2, 1686, she
possessed, "first, one small house and lott of ground, standing
and being in j^ Smith's Middow, (Meadow J where y« said Eliza-
beth Thyson is deceased, and lett out to John Carrelson."* In the
disposal of seyeral tracts of land near Roundout Greek,t Robert
G. Livingston offers " all the Fly or Meadow, and upland, Ao. ;"
and again, the " Flushing Fly or Meadows on Long Island"): are
noticed.
To further prove the above statements, the Records, in Decem-
ber, 1691, show "all the lands in front of the Vley, from the Block-
house ( WaR Street) to Mr. Bcekman's, ordered to be sold." On the
6th of May following, it was " Voted, that from the Block-house
to the Green Lane (Maiden Lane) be vallued at five-and-twenty shil-
lings p"^ foot, and from the Green Lane to Mrs. Van Clyff 's, (now the
present John^bettoeen Pearl and Cliff Streets^ the latter of which took
its name from this family,) be vallued at eighteen shillings p' foot \
and from Mrs. Van Clyff 's to Mr. Beekman's, (near Beekman Street J
be vallued at fifteen shillings p^ foot."
In the month of August following, the purchasers of these lots in
the Smith's Fflye obtain liberty to "Digg the Hill by Mr. Beek-
man's, so much as belongs to the City as the common or highway,
(present Pearl Street J as the Surveyors shall direct."
We find in the "press" further evidence. "On Saturday last, in
the afternoon, one Thomas Smith was driving a cart, which was
laden with iron, along the street in Smith's Fly: the horse (which
was naturally skittish) took fright and ran ; and he, in endeavoring
to hold him, was so violently hurried against a stoop or porch before
a Door, that his scull was fractured."§ " John Browne, lately mar-
ried to the Widow Breese, continues to carry on the leather-dress*
er's trade, at the dwelling-house of the late John Breese, in the
Smith's Fly, near Beekman's Swamp, or Greple-Bush ; at the south
end of the house a staff is erected, with a Vane on the top of it,
&c."ll The "Weekly Gazette" of 1749 also says, "The removal
of Charles Arding from the Meal Market to the Dock near Beek-
man's Slip, in the Fly, where he continues to sell several sorts of
European Goods."
Then, to be sold by Evert Pels, " a very good lot of ground, op-
posite the Hon. William Walton, Esq., on the north side of a certain
* FUe& t Gazette, 1769. } Royal Gazette, Feb. 23, 17S2.
^ Boston Weekly Newa Letter, Dec 20, 1737. || Weekly Poet Boy, Dec. 16, 1744.
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 127
street called or known by the name of Queen Street, or Smith's
Ply: adjoining on the west side the Ground of William Elsworth,
Jun'r; east side, the house and ground of the Widow Darcey —
containing in breadth and front to said Queen Street, or Smiths
Fly, 24 foot; and in length on each side from said Queen Street, or
Smith's Fly, to the said Creple-Bush or Swamp, 244 foot, be the
same more or less."*
*' The origin of this name (says Valentine) is ascribed to the cir-
cumstance that Cornelius Glopper, a blacksmith, established himself
on the present comer of Maiden Lane and Pearl Street. Here he
intercepted the country people from Long Island, and pursued a
profitable business, making his shop a point of sufficient attraction
to give distinctive appellation to the road on which it lay." This
stopping-place no doubt originated the idea of establishing a mar-
ket-place here.
In the year 1692 a Slip (or Key, as it was called in those early
days,) was made at the east end of this '* Green Lane," {now Maiden
Lanej) about on the line of Pearl Street, at the mouth of a creek,
which put up that Lane to near Gold Street. This appears with the
name of Maiden Slip in the Records of the 9th of August of that
year, which say, "As also two other wharfes twelve ffoot wide, one
on each side Maiden Slip, running to high-water marke, and the
Slipp are to be twenty-four ffoot wide."
After the arrival of the newly appointed Governor, Richard
Coote, Earl of Bellamont, in 1698, this Maiden Slip was named after
and in compliment to the Countess or wife of the Lord Bellamont,
when it was afterwards known as the Countess Key.
On the 6th of September, (1699,) the inhabitants of Queen (Pearl)
Street laid before the Court a petition, *' praying that a market be
appointed at ^Cowitess Key,' and that they will build a convenient
market-house at their own charge, for the publick benefit." The
petition was granted, and it was ordered, '* that the inhabitants of the
said street, at their own cost and charge, have liberty to erect any
publick building at ' Countess Key' aforesaid, for the convenience
and ornament of the city." Although their petition was granted at
this time, yet it appears by the following, that it was not built until
nearly seven years after. In the proceedings held 20th June, 1706,
we read, ''Pursuant to an order of the Court, bearing date the 6th
day of September, 1699, authorizing the inhabitants of Queen Street
to build a convenient markett-house at their own charge, for the
public benefitt, at 'Countess Key;' it is hereby ordered, that such
• Guette, April 9. 1769. The old « Walton Hooae" ii jet etuding, (in FruUiB
,) in Pearl Stietl, above Peck Slip.
Digitized by
Google
128 FLY MARKET.
markett-house as the said inhabitants shall erect and bnild, at their
own charge, betwixt the houses of Captain John Depeyster and Bar-
nardus Smith, att the north end of the Slip in * Countess Key' afore-
said, be appointed and continue a publick markett and markett-house
of this city forever."
One week previous, {lith June) the "Council" had given "the
inhabitants of Queen Street liberty, att their own charge, to build a
Bridge over the Slip att * Countess Key^ att the south end thereof,
leaving a Draw-Bridge for boats to pass" (up the "creek," noticed
before.)
"The inhabitants of the City of New York," says Smith, "con-
sisted, at this time, of Dutch Calvinists, upon the plan of the Church
of Holland ; French refugees, on the Geneva model ; a few English
Episcopalians, and a still smaller number of English and Irish Pres-
byterians, who have neither a minister nor a church, used to assem-
ble themselves every Sunday at a private house, for the worship of
God. Such were the circumstances, when Francis M'Kemie and
John Hampton, two Presbyterian ministers, arrived here in January,
1707. As soon as Lord (or Governor) Cornbury, who hated the
whole persuasion, heard that the Dutch had consented to M^Kemie's
preaching in their church, he arbitrarily forbid it." M'Kemie, how-
ever, did preach with open doors at a private house, as also did Mr.
Hampton at Newtown. They were arrested and imprisoned for six
weeks.
Part of the duties of the Church Wardens appear to have been
the care or charge of the poor of the city, as they were, on 29th of
September this year, "Ordered, the Church Wardens of this city
put a badge upon the clothes of such poor as are clothed by this
city with this mark, N. Y., in blew or red cloth, att their discretion."
Great preparation for the war with the French had been made,
as noticed before, and still greater preparations were making in the
early part of the year 1709 for a grand expedition in the reduction
of Canada. " Commissioners were appointed to purchase provisions
and other necessaries, and empowered to break open houses for that
purpose; and to impress men, vessels, horses, and waggons for trans-
porting the stores." Twenty ship and house carpenters were im-
pressed into the service for building battoes, of which we find " one
hundred were built, and as many canoes ;" and after expending above
twenty thousand pounds, it proved a failure.*
In 1711 another grand expedition for the same purpose was made;
the market-houses were all taken except 07i€,t to build the battoes
in. The Market-House at Countess Key was set apart for the build-
* Smith. t See " Old Slip Market »
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET. 129
ing» " and for no other use or service whatever, until the same be
compleat and finished." This expedition in the end, after losing a
great many lives by shipwreck and other disasters, proved most un-
fortunate for fhe country for several years.
The market-houses were closed but a few months to those persons
who supplied them, among which were several countrymen, who
were in the habit of defrauding the city out of the fees, by making
a quick sale, and leaving the markets before the clerk could collect
them. This called for an ordinance on the 16th of October, same
year, when *' it was ordained that from henceforth the country peo-
ple who frequent the markets of this corporation, have liberty to
expose their meat for sale in the publick market by the joynt or
otherwise, as they shall see convenient,/r«^ paying the fees of the
clerk of the market for the same ; and that if any flesh be exposed
to sale by the joynt by any country people before the fees of the
clerk of the market are paid, the same shall be forfeited to the use
of the poor of this city."
This market, in the Laws of 1720, is thus noticed: "The Marke^
House at Countess Key ;" after this period, in all the printed laws,
it reads, "At the Market-House at or near the Countess Key, com-
monly called Countesse's Slip ;" and the first notice found of it being
called ''Fly MarkeV^ is from Lyne's Map, 1729, then continued by
F. Maerschalcks, 1755; T. Maerschalcken, 1763, and so further con-
tinued by all other surveyors on their maps of the city, as long as it
stood.
In 1735 many country butchers and others presented themselves
in the garb of countrymen, and claiming their rights, who were al-
lowed, in the different markets, the best standings, without paying
the regular fees; this gave cause of great complaint to the regular
butchers, who in the month of August, (1735,) presented a petition,
'Spraying relief from the many impositions practised, and wishing to
take charge of the public markets, and paying a certain amount of
fees for the same," Ac. "A committee was appointed to examine
into the allegations thereof, and make their report." Before their
report was ready, " a law for the better regulating and ordering the
publick markets" was passed, and appeared on the 4th of November
following, which no doubt gave some relief, as will appear from a
portion of it: "And be it further ordained, that (in regard the mar-
ketts are principally intended for the benefitt of housekeepers, who
buy for their own use,) the hucksters and retailers within this city,
who buy to sell again, shall not enter into any of the aforesaid mar-
kets to make their provisions, and buy to sell again any sort of mar-
ket provisions of any of the market people there, to sell again, or
Vol. I.— 9
Digitized by
Google
180 FLY MARKET.
carry tae same to their several houses and shops, until the afternoon
of every day, to the end, that the housekeepers may provide Hiem-
selves in the forenoon of every day at the first hand/' And " in or-
der for making the several marketts of this city more commodious
and convenient for the future, as well for the butchers being free-
men of this city, as of all other persons who resort thereto for the
supply thereof, a standing committee shall be appointed by the Com-
mon Council, who shall be empowered and authorized to enlarge,
alter, repair, and support from time to time all the marke^hou8e8 at
the expense of the city." *' That no more than two stalls or stand-
ings in any one of the said marketts shall be let or leased to any one
butcher." " And whereas, by virtue of divers Laws of this Cor-
poration for many years past, the clerk of the markett had took and
received certain fees for all neat cattle, hogs, shoats, sheep, calves,
and lambs that were killed for the markett : Be it therefore further
ordained, by the authority aforesaid, that it shall not be lawful for
the clerks of the marketts of this city to intermeddle with the re-
ceipts of dutys, fees, or profits, or take any money of any butchers or
other persons resorting to, or standing in any of the common mar-
ketts aforesaid, upon any pretence whatsoever, other than for examin-
ing and sealing of weights and measures by virtue of his office."
On the 16th of same month a report was made on the petition of
the butchers previously presented, in the month of August, as fol-
lows : " That it was the opinion of the committee that it would be
for the benefit of the Corporation to take the several market-houses
under their own care, and should at their own charge support and
maintain the same from time to time for the future with all neces-
sary repairs, and that they cause the several stalls in the several
markets to be numbered and marked, and let out by lease to the pe-
titioners or such other person or persons as shall agree to take the
same at a reasonable and annual reserved rent for the use of the
Corporation."
On the 10th of December following, the committee who were em-
powered to " cause the stalls in the severall markets to be number-
ed and marked, and let" for one year, reported to have "mett and
agreed with the following butchers for stalls in the Fly Market:"
"To Richard Green, . . - i stall, No. 1, £6 0 0
To Widow Laurier, -
1
M
2.
1 0 0
To Isaac Varian, -
m ■ - 1
(«
8,
200
To George Young,
- • 1
U
4,
40 0
To Charles Dawson,
• 1
U
5,
6 00
To John Stockford, -
1
U
6,
3 0 0
To Edward Kelly, -
- 1
M
1,
5 0 0."
Digitized by
Google
PLY MARKET. 131
The several lessees of these stands " were ordered to give bonds
to the Chamberlain, to pay the said rents quarterly for the use of
this Corporation."
Although the Common Council had taken " the several market-
houses nnder their own care, and should at their own charge sup-
port and maintain" them, yet I find the very next year the people,
anxious to preserve and add to their market accommodations, peti-
tioned to be allowed to enlarge this market; and the Authorities
on the 2l8t, 1736, granted their prayer, giving to " the inhabitants
of the East Ward liberty, at their own charge, to enlarge the Mar-
ket^House at Countess Key Slip, in such manner as the Aldermen
and Assistants of the said Ward shall direct, and that the butchers'
stalls, or some of them, be removed into the new enlargement at the
south end thereof*"
On the 22d of May, 1737, the same six butchers again lease
stands for another year, but the butchereaa, the Widow Laurier's,
name is missing.
This system of leasing these stands continued until the year
1740, when several of the butchers refused to agree with the
^* Committee," in consequence of their not having been protected
in their rights. This Committee, finding they could not make the
former arrangements with several of the butchers, made the follow-
ing report to the Board on the 4th of May, (same year:) " That we
have, after many and frequent meetings, great trouble and difficulty,
agreed with the several butchers who have subscribed their names
to the paper hereunto annexed, for the stalls and standings in the
several market-houses." "We also further report, that George
Young and Thomas Cox, two butchers of this city, did not appear
before the Committee, though sundry times summoned for that pur-
pose. That Israel Horsefield and James Ruffhead (though they fre-
quently appeared and attended the Committee) yet refused to agree,
notwithstanding a considerable abatement was offered the former.
The Committee do beg leave also humbly to inform this Court, that
one Evardus Brower, and many others, living on Nassau (Long)
Island, who make it their chief business to buy, kill, and sell cattle,
do daily come and take up the stalls or standings in the said mar-
ket-houses, without paying anything for the same. Lastly, the
Committee are htmibly of opinion that some other method can and
ought to be taken less burthensome, and more profitable to the
Corporation, in letting the stalls and standings in the market-
houses, than have been heretofore. All of which is humbly, Ac."
(Sgned,) Will. Booms, 8. Johnson, Peteb Jay,
Peteb Yak Banst, H. Defetsteb, Sam'l Lawbskgb.
Digitized by
Google
132 FL7 MARKET.
" Which report is approved of by this Board, and ordered that the
Common Clerk commence an action in the Supream Conrt against
Israel and Timothy Horsefield for the rent due from them for their
stalls and standings in the (Old Slip) Market-House."
At this period an occurrence took place near this market, which
introduced its proper name, and no doubt it had then become the
common one. It read as follows: " Sunday last, about five o'clock
in the afternoon, a fire broke out in the stable of Mr. John Roserelt,
over against the Fly Market, in this city. It burned the said stable,
his bolting-house, chocolate engine-house, and part of his linseed oil
mill-house, Ac."*
The slip near this market, which had been so long known as the
" Countess Key Slip," appears to have been changed to " Smith's
Fly Slip" about the year 1740, when no doubt the Countess of Bel-
lamont had been publicly forgotten. A petition from Peter Schuy-
ler and others, in 1744, states, *' that they are the proprietors and
owners of the wharfs and soil between the ^ Smith! a Fly 8lip^ and
Burling Slip, in the East Ward."
The business around the Fly Market began now to show an im-
proved state; in fact, the city on the "east end" or side far out-
stripped the "west end," and just around the public markets ap-
peared to be the common centre for the transactions of trade and
sale of almost every character. Slaves were then kept, principally
by all who could afford such help, and they were bought and sold
both at this and the meal markets. The "old papers" about this
(1744) and various periods would often show a notice of this kind:
" To be sold at public vendue, on Saturday morning next, at 10
o'clock, at the Fly Market, a negro man, who can cook and do all
sorts of household work." Here, then, at this age, our public mar-
kets answered a double purpose : for in them were not only sold the
dead flesh, which tended to keep the soul and body together, but the
living fl^h, with the soul and body too.
The improvements also appeared to keep pace with the business.
In 1748 a very important one was finished by the Corporation, who
" have, at a very great expense, made a drain or common sewer
from the East River, under the Ply Market, up Maiden Lane to the
high grounds." It was not, however, satisfactory to the neighbor-
hood, as it was not sufficient for the purposes intended ; so they
propose to consult, and, if necessary, to assist, the Corporation in
enlarging and extending it farther out into the East River. A
committee was appointed from the Corporation, on the 11th of
July, 1749, " to view and examine the Fly Market, and advise and
* BcMton Weekly Mews Letter, December 20, 1737.
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET. 133
eoBSoIt wliat the expense and laying ont a good and sufficient
drain.'' This Committee reported, on the 17th inst., "that the
present drain be ran ont and extended so far into the 'Fly Slip^ as
to range with the rear of Captain Robert Livingston's store-house,
and to be filled in on both sides level with the peers/' " That the
cost or expense thereof (exclusive of the subscriptions of that neigh-
borhood) the Committee cannot ascertain;" and "advise the work
done with the utmost expedition." Another committee, of «ix, was
appointed to have the work done, but they found the expense would
be 80 great, "as neither the neighborhood or the Corporation
would consent to allow for that purpose." " That in order to pre-
vent the same from being a nuisance, there be dug out of the said
slip so much of the mud, dirt, and ground as to leave twelve inches
water at low water, which will keep the same sweet, and prevent
its being a nuisance ; and which is also conceived by the neighbor-
hood to be the most easy and effectual method; and forasmuch as
the doing thereof will be an annual charge, and as all other com-
mon sewers and wharfs of this city are maintained and repaired
and cleansed at the publick charge of this city, they, the neighbor-
hood, have proposed to the Committee to pay into the hands of the
Chamberlain or Treasurer of this city the sum of sixty pounds,
current money of this colony, to be expended for that purpose, as
fiar as the same will extend: provided the Corporation will, at
their own expense, advance such farther sum as will be necessary
to keep the same clean ; and shall and will, at their own expense,
keep the same in repair, and from becoming a nuisance for the
future."
The next year (1750) a proposition was made to build a large
cistern near the Widow Rutger's brew-house, near Gold Street, "to
eerve in case of fire." It was expected this cistern would fill with
clean water at every high tide, by the proposer ; who failed to con-
vince the public of the great benefit, and the project fell through.
In the spring of the next year, (1751,) among the parliamentary
proceedings of the mother-country^ a most remarkable act was pass-
ed for regulating the commencement of the year, and correcting the
calendar according to the Gregorian computation. The proceed-
ings of the General Assembly on the 11th of April, in the year
1696, had "Ordered, that the said year begins the first day of Hay,
anno 1696, and terminates the first day of May, 1697." But by this
new law, it was decreed that the new year should begin on the first
of January, and that eleven intermediate nominal days, between the
second and fourteenth days of September, 1752, should for that time
be omitted, so that the third should be denominated the fourteenth.
Digitized by
Google
134 FLY MARKET.
This change was thus annonnced : " Thursday next the new style
begins to take place in all the English dominions, when this d^y,
which would have been the 3d, must be reckoned the 14th of Sep-
tember ; and from thenceforward, our reckonings of time will be
agreeable to that of most foreign nations/'* "Our calendar is of
Roman origin, and was originally divided by Romulus into ten
months, comprising 304 days. Numa Pompillus added two months
to the year; and Julius Cesar subsequently arranged the solar
year at 365 days, 6 hours. As the solar year really consists of 365
days, 5 hours, and 49 minutes, the error amounted in 1582 to ten
days, when Pope Gregory XIII. ordained that 1582 should contain
365 days only, and made other alterations, which brought the ver-
nal equinox to the 21st of March, where it should be."t This
change has since been known as the New Style; the Old Style is
seldom noticed, except occasionally letters received from Russia
will be marked with both, the new and the old dates, or in the con-
nection with some event prior to this period.
In March, 1754, the Corporation advertise, " These are to give
notice to all persons, that on Thursday, the 21st day of March» in-
stant, at two o'clock in the afternoon, at the Common Council Room,
in the City Hall of this City, will be let to farm, by publick outcry,
to the highest bidder, the stalls and standings of the several markets
of this City." On tiie 14th of June following, the same body ap-
pointed a committee to receive " proposals from the inhabitants near
the Fly Market towards enlarging the said market in length, to be
att their own expense.'':t Their proposals were accepted, and soon
after the market appears enlarged, which was very acceptable, as the
business had been increasing and much increased for the ten years
previous; at which period (1744) provisions were represented to
have been very cheap, " by those who knew" who says, " The rich
never have wanted luxuries, and the poor have been able to subsist
upon the earnings of a few hours' labour ; 3 pence in fish, bread, and
drink afforded a comfortable meal; 6 pence would procure meat,
bread, and drink. Such have been the opportunities of earning
money by different kinds of labour, that none willing to work were
in want ; hence there were few beggars, except the lazy, drunken
wretches not fit subjects for the Alm8-house."§
These prosperous and plentiful times no doubt continued for sev-
eral years ; and to further assist the cheapness of at least one kind
of provisions, the " papers" in the month of April, 1754, state, ** We
had such great quantities of {tvHd) pidgeons in our markets last
* N. Y. Gazetteer. Aagost 81, 1752. t Sunday Times, January, 1861.
t N. Y. Mercoiy, Maroh 11, 1764. § ** Olden Time in New York,'* le.
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 135
week, that no less than six were sold for one eld penny J^ In the
face of all this plentifolness, we find seyeral of the products which
ought to have overrun the generous soil of our country imported from
another at this period. The N. Y. Mercury, December 23, 1754,
gives an instance, as follows: *' There is to be sold on board of the
mow Lord Ru89dy James Hathorn, master, Irish potatoes, butter in
erocks and firkins, and Irish beef." Then, nearly two years after,
the high prices of meats are particularly noticed in an editorial of
the N. Y. Weekly Post Boy, April 19, 1756, as follows: "The end
of last week, on the departure of most of the o£Bcers of if is Majesty's
forces, fresh beef was sold in our markets at 6d. per pound by the
whole quarter. This seemed to be a gloomy prospect for many of
our poor, who buy from hand to mouth ; but that Being who careth
/or them happily sent, in a few days, large supplies of fish ; and on
Thursday last, Mr. Bernard Johnson, of Oravesend, on Long Island,
caught Jive thousand seven hundred shad at one hawl of a sein, be-
side large numbers of several other bawls; and the next day sold
the greater part of them in our markets."
These high prices and scarcity continued for many years after,
and caused many to intercept the country people on the ferry-boats,
and purchase their marketing, thereby taking the advantage of the
many who expected to purchase in the markets when they arrived.
A ocmununication from an (^ficer to the editor of the N. Y. Mercury,
(February 27, 1758,) addressed to Mr. Gaine, says, "As it is a daily
practice among servants and others to purchase many kinds of pro-
visions out of the ferry-boats and other boats, in contempt of the
law, therefore be pleased to publish the following Abstract from the
Laws of the Corporation, in order that no ignorance may be plead,
as the same will be put in execution without distinction.
" No person or persons shall buy, sell, or cause to be bought or
sold, any victuals or other provisions or things whatsoever, within
the City of New York, or the liberties thereof, coming to any of the
common markets of the said city, or making any contract, promise,
or bargain, for the selling, having, or buying of the same, or any
part thereof so coming to any of the common markets aforesaid, be-
fore the same shall be brought into one of the said markets, ready
to be sold, (fish of all kinds only excepted,) upon pain, that as well
every person selling or contracting, as every person so buying or
contracting, either by themselves or their white servant or servants,
shall respectively forfeit, for any ofience, the sum of six shillings.
''And if negro or other slave shall offend, he shall receive 15
lashes on the bare back at the public whipping-post or house of cor*
rection, unless the master will pay six shillings to execute the same."
Digitized by
Google
136 TLY MARKET.
The next year followed with a great scarcity of flre-wood, when
hundreds of families suflfered from the long season of cold weather.
A somewhat singular appeal for assistance is found in the N. Y.
Mercury, December 31, 1759, headed, " Help! HelpI Help! Wood
at three pouTids ten ahiUinga a cord^ a price never before heard ! The
countryman says, *We have wood enough.' The boatman says, *2
covld fetch two loads while I am bringing and unloading one!^ The
merchants employ the carmen in carrying their sugars, £c. The
widow hears a noise in her yard, rises from her bed at midnight,
from her window sees a thief, and asks him what he is doing; he
answers, I must have wood! In the morning views her small pile,
and laments the loss of half a cord. The rich engross, when per-
haps two hundred families have not a stick to burn, and (it is said)
thus it is! in one house where two persons now lie dead of the
small-pox."
" Should not the Fathers of the City do something in this extremity?
Cannot our magistrates appoint an officer or officers to inspect every
boat, to agree on the price of the whole, distribute their wood in
small quantities at the price agreed on, command the carmen from
every other service to attend the boat till unloaded? If this or
something to the same purpose be not done, what may be the condi-
tion of this city before the beginning of February next?"
*'At this period," says Rev. Mr. Burnaby, " the City of New York
contains between 2 and 3,000 houses, and 16 or 17,000 inhabitants,
is tolerably well built, and has several good houses. The streets
are paved, and very clean, but in general they are narrow ; there
are two or three, indeed, which are spacious and airy, particularly
the Broadway. The houses in this street have most of them a row
of trees before them, which forms an agreeable shade, and produce
a pretty effect. The whole length of the town is something more
than a mile, the breadth of it about half a one."
Among the public buildings, " the College, when/m^Aec?, will be
exceedingly handsome ; it is built on three sides of a quadrangle,
fronting Hudson's or North River, and will be the most beautifully
situated of any College, I believe, in the world."
Of the inhabitants, " more than half of them are Dutch, and almost
all traders ; they are, therefore, habitually frugal, industrious, and
parsimonious." Their amusements are " balls and sleighing expedi-
tions in the winter ; and, in the summer, going in parties upon the
waters, and fishing, or making excursions in the country,
"There are several houses pleasantly situated upon the East River,
near New York, where it is common to have turtle feasts ; these
happen once or twice a week. Thirty or forty gentlemen and ladies
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 187
meet to dine together, drink tea in the afternoon, fish, and amnse
titemselves till evening, and then return home in Italian chaises — a
gentleman and lady in each chaise. In the way there is a bridge,
about three miles distant from New York, which you always pass
orer as you return, called the Kissing Bridge, (over De Voor^a MtU
Stream, juat bdow ' (Hd Colore! about bith Street, between 2d and 3d
Avenues J where it is a part of the etiquette to salute the lady who
has put herself under your protection/'
^ The province in its cultivated state affords grain of all sorts,
cattle, hogs, and great variety of English fruits, particularly the
Newtown pippin."
The manner of bringing the market productions to the Fly and
other markets at this period was usually by water. Those living
in the interior on Long Island brought them in wagons and ox-carts
to the ferry, then unloaded on the ferry-boats, which came direct to
the markets. The boats were propelled either by a fair wind or
rowed across, usually three or four trips a day, and seldom a loaded
team crossed with them. The farmers living in New Jersey and
the neighboring counties, both on the North and East Rivers,
brought theirs also down ui the same manner to the nearest water-
side— ^unloaded into their skiffs; then, with the tide of ebb, easily
rowed to the city direct to the various markets on the shores, where
they usually disposed of their products in time to return with the
flood tide.
Such were some 6f the inducements offered in the following notice
of the sale of " Little Bern Island, at public auction, belonging to
the estate of Mr. St. George Talbot, deceased, situate opposite New
Harlaem Church, in the out-ward of this city, containing upwards
of one hundred acres of land and meadows. It abounds with wild
fowl, as ducks, geese, pidgeons, quails, Ac, and has the advantage
of a fine seine-fishery, and black-fish, oysters, lobsters, Ac. Being in
the vicinity of New York, the produce may be brought to the * Ply
Market' with the tide of ebb, and the /ood will waft the craft home."*
We find, however, in their haste to and fro, they would seek a
low from some of the larger sailing vessels, which sometimes proved
a dangerous assistance, as we read: " Last Saturday afternoon, as a
market skiff was returning home with four men and one woman in,
they very imprudently took hold of a tow rope from a sloop at Cor-
laer's Hook under full sail, by which the skiff was instantly filled
with water, and overturned; the man that had the rope held fast
till he was taken on board of the sloop, the other four were thrown
oat of the skiff; when, fortunately, the three men, one of whom could
• N. Y. Joornal, July 23, 1772.
Digitized by
Google
188 FLT MARKET.
only swim, got fast of the boat, and in attempting to get hold of her
bottom, she turned np again with the woman in her, who had come
up under the boat, and taken hold of one of the benches; they then
all got hold of the skiff, and just kept their heads aboye water till
Mr. Morgan, ship-carpenter, and another man, in a small boat, at
the risque of their lives, took them off, or they must haye perished
with cold or been drowned."*
The principal part of the farmers and gardeners near the oily,
during the Revolution, were engaged in the war, either on the one
side or the other, which obliged the women and boys to labor in the
fields raising such products as they were able; and then,
*< The coantry maidB with Muioe to market come,
And cany loada of tattered moaej home."
They came rowing down past the numerous guards and sentinelfl to
the city, being protected usually with a "pass."
From "Poems of the Olden Time," we have a suitable descrip*
tionof
"THE MARKET GIRL.''
*^ At dawn of day, from short repoie,
At hoon that mifi^t all towna-men ahame,
To catch oar money, round or tqnare,
She fhnn the Groves ot Flatbmh came,
With Kail and Cabbage— fresh and fahr.
At Brooklyn wharff, in travelling trim,
Arrived an honr before the San,
Yonng Charon's boat receives her storea,
Across the wavy waste they skim ;
And thus they, laughing, come to town,
She at the helm, and he, the oar.
Fall early taught the arts of gain,
No sharping knave that walks the street,
(Tho' versed in all the tricks of trade,)
No city nymph, or powdered swain,
With all their art, can hope to cheat
A bargain flrom this coantry maid.
The market done, her cash seoor'd,
She homeward takes her wonted way ;
The painted chest, behind the door,
(With many a golden guinea stor'd,)
Reedves the gainings of the day ;
Laid up— to see the sun no more I
Sweet nymph I why all this canaeleas pain,
Such early toil, and evening care.
This hoarding for the age to come !
If he that courts you, courts in vain,
And you, regardless of an heir.
Refuse, alas I to take him home."t
• N. T. Packet, Janaary 9, 1787. f Frenean.
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 139
" The ferries between Brooklyn and New York/' says Mr. Jero-
tnus Johnson, aboat the year 1777, " were under the suryeillance
of a military guard. All the inhabitants were compelled to obtain
passports for themselves and their families, by name, to cross the fer*
ries; and eyery market^boat, with her hands, were licensed to come
to the city. Nor was this all. Every farmer or person who wished
to take any goods from New York, was compelled to take a bill of
the goods to the police office, in the city, for a permit to take the
same from the city. Every permit cost two shillings. The passports
to cross the ferries, and the licenses of the market-boats, were renew-
ed and paid for every year. In this manner, favorites were provided
for. During the war, a continual trade was carried on between
favored individuals of the British and treacherous Americans.''*
The ferry which landed at the foot of this market, and the in-
creased trade in the year 1761, with the numerous market and other
vessels that crowded into this Fly Market Slip— the larger ones
having the powerful advantage, generally used it— caused a law to
be passed in that year, '' That no sloop, boat, or vessel, except small
craft, such as ferry-boats, market-boats, pettiaugers, and canoes,
shall come within the slip" — " at the end of the common sewer
(that leads under the marke^hou^e, commonly called and known by
the name of the Fly Market,) that empties itself into the East
River, under the penalty of forty shillings."
An excellent article from " Oensoba," in showing the scarcity
and the eagerness of procuring provisions, appeared two years
after, in the N. Y. Gazette, January 10, 1768, where the Lady says,
"I have frequently observed, and sometimes felt, great rudeness and
ill manners in our public markets; especially when any kind of
provision appeared of which there was a scarcity. I have seen
people press and shove with such rudeness and violence, as suffi-
ciently shew'd an intention truly hostile, and that force alone could
determine the purchasers; and sometimes the prey has been seized,
and in danger of being torn to pieces, by two furious combatants,
equally voracious, who seemed, by their actions, to be upon the
point of starving, and to contend for their lives. I, who am a
woman, unused to war, and of a peaceable disposition, have been
obliged to give up my pretensions to the goods, half purchased, and
give place to one of more strength and resolution, being not quite
reduoed to the necessity of fighting or starving.
''AH that are weak and peaceable like myself, have been excluded
from purchasing in the market, by rudeness and force. It is to be
hoped that persons guilty of such misbehavior need only to be told
• Naval Magaiiiie, toL L, pi. 6«a
Digitized by
Google
140 ^^^ MARKET.
of it, to avoid it, and as they value their own liberty, not encroach
upon that of their neighbors* Sach conduct has also a direct ten*
dency to raise the price of provisions in the market, to the extrav-
agant price that we all have had reason to complain of.''
The prices of provisions had become so exorbitant, that the
''principal freemen and freeholders asked for a law to r^ulate
the prices of all kinds of provisions;" which subject was before
the authorities on the 15th of August same year, (1768.) They
set forth, " That in all populous citys the regulation of the publick
marketts, respecting the prices of provisions, hath always been es-
teemed a matter of great importance to the inhabitants, and worthy
the attention of the publick ; that the petitioners had for some time
past observed many of the common necessaries of life sold in the
marketts in this city at exorbitant prices, considerably higher than
in any of the neighboring colonies; and wish the Board to regulate
and assize butchers' meat, and such other provisions as might be
thought to require the like regulations."
This was referred to a committee, to inquire what power the
Board had, and whether they can legally do so. They reported,
on the 24th inst., " That they are of the opinion the Board are
fully authorized to regulate and assize the prices of all kinds of
provisions set to sale in this city. And to expedite the work, the
Committee presented the following ordinance," which became the
law, and is an interesting document:
A Lorn for Assidng aU Kinds of Victuals to he set for Sale in the
Public Markets.
PuBLiBHEi) IN Common Council, August 24, 1768.
Forasmuch as, through the avarice of those who usually supply
this City with provisions, the prices of all manner of victuals
daily brought to market for the sustentation of its Inhabitants are
grown excessively great, and not only ruinous to Families of the
poorer sort, but intolerable even to people of better estate: In
order, therefore, to remedy this great and growing evil, and to fix
and establirii between the Buyer and Seller reasonable prices for
all sorts of Victuals hereafter to be brought to market, and to reg-
ulate the sale thereof, except the articles hereinafter excepted :
I. Be it ordained by the Mayor, Aldermen, and Commonalty of
the City of New York, in Common Council convened, and it is
hereby ordained by the authority of the same, That no kinds of
Provision or Victuals whatsoever, hereafter to be brought to this
City, or offered, or set for sale or sold within the same, (except
live Fish, Bread, Flour, and salted Beef in Barrels and half-Barrels,
and salted Pork in Barrels and half-Barrels, and Butter and Milk,
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 141
and Hog's Lard in Firkins, and Oysters, Clams, and Mnscles,) shall
be set, offered, or exposed to sale, or sold, at any other place or
places whatsoever, other than the Public and Common Market-
Houses of this City, under the penalty oi forty shSELings for every
offense ; to be paid by him or them so setting, offering, or exposing
the same for sale, or selling the same ; and that the like penalty
oi forty ahiUings for every offense be paid by the Buyer.
II. And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid. That no
regrator, huckster, or other person, usually practising the buying of
provision or yictuals, such as are hereby directed to be sold, or are
usually sold in the common markets, with design to sell them again,
shall either by himself, or any other or others, purchase or buy any
sort of provision or victual, before or earlier than the hour of eleven
of the dock in the forenoon, in any day throughout the year, under
the penalty of three pounds^ to be paid by the offender for every
such offence.
III. And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid, That
no person or persons whatsoever shall hereafter presume to house, or
put under cover, except in the public markets, or conceal any sort
of provision or victual whatsoever brought, or to be brought to
this city for sale, (except as before excepted ;) but that every person
and persons that shall hereafter set, or expose for sale, or sell, or
shall bring to this city with design to set or expose to sale, or sell,
any sort of provision or victual whatsoever, (except as before ex-
cepted,) shall brbg or carry the same, or cause the same to be
brought or carried straitways, if the same shall arrive at this city
after sunriee, and one hour before sunset, to some one or other of
the public market-houses of this city ; and if the same shall so arrive
after an hour before the setting of the sun, and before sunrise, then
to be carried immediately after sunrise to some one or other of the
public marke^houses of this city : and her or they shall there openly
and publicly expose the same to sale, under tibe penalty of three
pounds, to be paid by the offender herein for every offence; and
that the person or persons who shall permit or suffer any provision
or victual whatsoever (except as before excepted) to be housed or
put under cover within his, her, or their houses, out^houses, build-
ings, or yards, during the time hereby provided for bringing the
same into the public markets, shall forfeit the like penalty for every
offence*
IV. And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid, That
the prices for all sorts of provisions and victuals shall hereafter be
as follows; that is to say, the prices of beef and pork shall be as
follows, viz.:
Digitized by
Google
142 FLY MARKET.
For beef, from and including the first day of March to and in-
cluding the last day of August^ a price not exceeding/ovT^j^ence by
the pound weight; and from and including the first day of Septem*
ber to and including the last day of February, a price not exceed-
ing three-pence by the pound weight ; the tallow included at the same
rates, when the beef is sold by the quarter.
For a bullock's head, not exceeding one shilling.
For a neat's tongue, not exceeding one shilling.
For pork, from and including the first day of March to and in-
cluding the last day of October, a price not exceeding four-pence
half -penny by the pound weight; and from and including the first
day of November to and including the last day of February, a price
not exceeding three-pence halfpenny by the pound weight; and,
For roasting pigs, by the pound weight, /vc^penoe.
For Veal, from and including the first day of March to and in-
cluding the last day of August, a price not excee^ng four pence by
the pound weight; and from and including the first day of Septem-
ber to and including the last day of February, a price not exceeding
fivepence by the pound weight.
For a calve's head and pluck, and the four feet, eighteen pence.
For mutton, from and including the first day of July to and in-
cluding the last day of November, a price not exceeding threepence
half -penny by the pound weight; and from and including the first
day of December to and including the last day of June, a price not
exceeding/oMr-^peTioe halfpenny by the pound weight.
For lamb, from and including the first day of March to and in-
cluding the last day of April, a price not exceeding ninepence by
the pound weight; and from and including the first day of May to
and including the last day of August, a price not exceeding five*
pence by the pound weight; and from and after that day to and in-
cluding the last day of February, at no greater price by the pound
weight than mutton is hereby directed to be sold at during that
period.
For Venison, not exceeding /rc^ncc by the pound weight.
And the prices of poultry, as well wild fowl as tame, shall not
exceed the respective rates herein annexed to the names of the sev-
eral species or sorts, to wit:
For a full-grown dunghill fowl, whether cock or hen, one shilling.
For BLpuUet, after midsummer, nine-pence.
For a chicken of the larger sort, seven-pence.
For a chicken of the smaller sort, fivepence.
For a large fat goose, eighteen pence.
For a green goose, fifteen pence.
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 143
For a large cock turiey^/our skSUng.
For a large hen turkey ^ two shiUing and eixpeinot.
For a oock chicken turkey , two ekiUinge.
For a hen chicken turkey, eighteen penoe^
For a large fiill-grown tame duck, one shiUing.
For a duck not full grown, mne-pence.
For a dozen wHd pidgeons, eighteen pence; and in the like propor-
tion for a greater or less number.
For a quaU, one penny half -penny.
For a heolh hen^ fifteen pence.
For a partridge, one ahiUing.
For a Nock duck, or other wHd duck of the larger sort, one BhSHing.
For a teal, or other wild fowl of the smaller sort, sixpence.
For a large wild cock turkey, five shiUinga.
For a large wild hen turkey, three shSUinga and sixpence.
For a unld cock chicken turkey, two ahUling and three-pence.
For a wHd hen chidcen turkey, one ahiUing and ninepence.
For a large wUd gooae, two ahiUinga.
For a wild gooae not full grown, eighteen pence.
For a brandt, fifteen pence.
For anipea of the larger sort, by the dozen, fifteen pence; and in
that proportion for a greater or smaller number.
For anipea of the middling sort, by the dozen, tu^ve-pence; and
in that proportion for a greater or smaller number.
For anipea of the smaller sort, and other small birds, by the
dozen, aixpefice; md after that rate for a greater or smaller number.
And for twenty eggs, from and including the first day of March
unto and including the last day of October, not exceeding one ahU-
ling; and so in that proportion for a greater or smaller number;
and from and including the first day of November to and including
the last day of February, not exceeding one penny for each egg.
And for freah butter, from the first day of May, inclusive, to and
including the last day of October, not exceeding ninepence, by the
pound weight; and from the first day of November, inclusive, unto
and including the last day of April, not exceeding twdve-pence, by
the pound weight. (In the month of April, 1762, '' Freeh butter sold
in our market at 2/6 a pound.")
And that the prices {or fiah shall not exceed the sums herein an-
nexed to the several sorts or species, viz. :
For a large baaa, by the pound weight, two-pence.
For a amaU baaa, by the pound weight, tvH>p^!nce halfpenny.
For a Hachfiah, aeorbaaat and aheqhhead, by the pound weight,
three coppera.
Digitized by
Google
144 ^^^ MARKET.
For K fresh cod, by the pound weighty four^pence.
YoT fresh-water perch^ by the pound weightj/ourjsefioe.
For eaU-waJter perch, by the pound weighty three coppers.
For trout fish, or torn cod, one shiiUng by the dozen ; and in propoi^
tion for a greater or lesser number.
For lobsters, by the pound weight, sixpence.
For oysters in the shell, clear of weeds, beards, and empty shells^
tuH) shillings by the bushel, heaped up, and after that rate for a
greater or lesser quantity.
For opened oysters, by the gallon, three shillings} and after that
rate for a greater or lesser quantity.
For dams, by the hundred, nine-pence.
For. milk, from and including thefirst.day of May to and including
the last day of October, not exceeding four coppers by the quart;
and from and including the first day of November to and including
the last day of April, not exceeding /t;e coppers by the quart.
For American cheese, four-pence half -penny by the pound weight.
V. And be it further ordained by the authority aforesaid, That
if any person or persons whatsoever shall, at any time or times, from
and after the fifteenth day of September next, presume to set, offer, or
expose to sale^ or sell any species of provision or victuals whatso-
ever hereby directed to be sold in the public or common markets, or
whereof the price or prices are hereby fixed, at any greater or
higher rate or rates, price or prices, than is hereby fixed, he, she, or
they so offending, shall forfeit and pay for every such offence the re-
spective sums following : that is to say, for every such offence in or
relating to the sale of beef, the sum of three pounds; and for every
such. offence in or relating to the sale of smaller meats, the sum of
thirty shilling; and for every offence in or relating to the sale of
poultry, whether vnld fowl or tame, or in or relating to the sale of
fsh, or any other article or articles of provision not here enumerated,
the prices whereof are above fixed, the sum of ten shillings; and that
every purchaser, in such case or cases, shall forfeit and pay the liko
respective sums for every respective offence; and if the offending
purchaser be a slave, he or she shall receive such punishment at the
public whipping-post, as the Mayor, Recorder, or any Alderman of
this city, «hall in his discretion think fit, unless the master or mis--
tress of such slave will and do immediately pay the fine or forfeiture
hereby imposed for such offence.
VI. And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That
the fines and forfeitures that shall or may accrue or arise upon or
by the breach of this ordinance, or any article, matter, clause, or
thing whatsoever in the same contained, shall and may be recover-
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET. 145
ed before the Mayor, Recorder, or any one of the Aldermen of this
city, by any person or persons who will sue for the same ; the one
moieiy thereof, when recovered, to be his, her, or their use ; and the
other moieiy thereof to be paid by him, her, or them to the Ohnrch-
Wardens of this city, for the use of the poor thereof.
Published August the 24th, 1763. By order of the Oommon
Council. Aug. V. Oobtlakdt, G^Jk.
This law created a great sensation among the market people, and
more especially the butchers and farmers, who were very indignant,
and somewhat contemptuous. The newspapers took hold of them,
and handled them *' without gloves/' as appears by the following
effusions:
" There was perhaps never a more just or necessary law passed
in this province, than the late By-Law for regulating the prices of
provisions sold in our markets. For the impositions of the butchers,
and the extravagant demands of some of our country people, have
loudly called for redress, and must soon have proved to the poorer
sort absolutely ruinous.
"As to the affront offered to the dignity of the butchers, and the
airs they assume on the occasion, I doubt not they will soon be
inade sensible that the law is not, like a sirloin, to be rescinded
with broad-ax and cleaver; and should they refuse to continue their
business on the law's taking place, I hope the gentlemen of the city
will not hesitate a moment to raise an adequate sum, by subscrip-
tion, to supply the markets at a lower rate than that prescribed by
the ordinance ; upon which the Corporation, 'tis hoped, will instani*
ly turn every butcher's stall out of the market, nor ever suffer
tliem to be replaced, till after suitable proofs of contrition and re-
morse.
'• For we have really been imposed upon by one of the most im-
pudent combinations that was ever suffered among a free and think-
ing people. Was it not astonishing, and beyond all human toler*
ance, that b^eef should be sold from 7d. to 8d. per lb., when it might
be offered for 3d. and 4d., and yield a sufficient profit I Cattle were
perhaps never plentier or cheaper in the country than the greater
part of the time during which this exorbitant price has been enac^
ed. Nay, what is more notorious, than that beef is sold at 4d. per
lb. in the neighboring provinces, and in some parts of this very
province ? Why, then, should this city be under the peculiar curse
of being fleec'd, or rather flea'd, by the but<5her ? In a word, was
not 21d. and 3d. per lb. reckon'd a good profit, when he gave from
jC5 to £6 for a b«ft8t ; and is not, therefore, 8d. per lb., when a beast
of equal weight and goodness can be now purchased at the same
Vol. I.— 10
Digitized by
Google
146 FLY MARKET.
rate, intolerable and extortious ? Besides, what title has a batcher,
who ought to be considered in the light of a common laborer, (and
special little doth he labor,) to aceamulate riches? Wou'd not
three or fonr hundred pounds per annum be sufficient for the rank
and station of a slaughterer of sheep and oxen ? And more than
that wou'd arise fipom the profit of a penny per lb. ; whereas I am
confident they make aboye three-pence. Plebeaxus.''
" Plebeanus " had not so high an opinion of the butchers on this
side of the " water," as the same Goyemment had for them, a few
years before, on the other side. The ''London Review" of No-
yember, 1749, says : " A grant has passed the Great Seal, wherein
His Majesty is pleased to reincorporate singular, all the freemen of
the art of butchers of the City of London, and all others who
now use and exercise the art within the said city, the liberties and
suburbs thereof, or in any place within two miles from the said city,
by the name of the 'Master Wardens and CommonaUy of the Art
or Mystery of Butchering of the City of IxmdonJ "
We now turn again to another article which followed " Plebea-
nus," found in the ** N. Y. Gazette," dated September 12, 1763.
" It is, I think, impossible to offer a stronger argument for the ne-
cessity and excellence of the law for regulating the price of provi-
sions, &c., than that it gives so great disgust to our butchers, and
the neighboring farmers, who used to supply our markets." '' It is
evident, from the clamor of the country people, that they did not
intend to lower their prices without such legal compulsion. They,
indeed, pretend that they would have done it voluntarily: but
when ? Why, at the swift-approaching period when the city should
be so impoverished as to be incapable of purchasing." *' If they
dislike the law, it is on account of the appraisement ; and if they
are dissatisfied with the appraisement, it is because they would have
demanded more; and if they would have demanded more, it was
necessary to prevent them." " Compulsion must " " be called in to
remedy the defect of voluntary justice ; and the force of law to sup-
ply the want of botods. With such a power every community must,
in the nature of things, be invested, as to those particulars which
are brought among them for their own consumption ; and with such
a power the Corporation of this City is invested by its Charter,
which is confirmed by act of Assembly. And whether it was not
high time to exert this power, when beef was raised to 8d., butter
to 2s. 3d. per lb., and veal to 14s. a quarter, and most other escu-
lents in proportion."
The farmers or country people took a bold stand, and sent through
the Gazette {Sept., \9th inst,,) a spicy letter of invitation to the cit-
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 147
ixens, to step np into Westchester County, on Tuesdays and Friday?,
and purchase for cash such articles as they have to sell ; and from
the tenor of it, we suppose they were not guided by the established
city prices.
This letter is dated from Philipsburgh, f Westchester County J
Sept. 12, 1768: "Whereas the gentlemen of the City of New York
have been pleased to make a law, and prefix a certain price upon
country produce, such as eatables or provisions, brought to the City
of New York ; and lay a certain fine upon all persons that give a
greater or larger price for what they buy. But they forgot to in-
sert in their laws, that no lesser prices should be offered, or given,
under the same fine. We thought we were born free Englishmen,
and had the liberty, as such, to sell our own effects at our own lib-
erty. But finding the case not to be so, we, the inhabitants, and
country back, have fixed upon a store-house on a dock at Martling's
Cove, (Tarrytown;) when, on every Tuesday and Friday in the
week, the county inhabitants do bring all sorts of country produce
to sell there ; and where all gentlemen and ladies of the Corpora-
tion of the City of New York may be supplied for their cash : for
no boat or craft will, after the fifteenth day of September instant,
carry off any victual kind, upon a fine of twenty shillings.
"We are your humble servants, and friends to the liberty of
EfiglishmenJ^
But few country people brought their butter to market, and con-
sequently a short supply was the result, although they were threat-
ened through the " press," by the merchants, with importations of
that article. They also appeared anxious to impress on the minds
of certain producers rights which the laws granted them, of which
the following will more folly explain, as taken from the N. Y. 6a-
xctte, October 8d following: " The better to undeceive the people of
this province," (the printer of the Gazette was particularly requested
to insert in his paper,) " those of New Jersey, Connecticut, & in
their being prevented from bringing their cattle to town by a report
industriously propagated amongst them, in direct contradiction to
the liberty intended and given by the law"—" that every day in the
week (Sundays excepted) be, and are hereby appointed public mar-
ket days, within the said city, from the sun-rising to sun-setting;
and that the country people, and others, resorting to the said mar-
kets, may stand or sit in such part or parts thereof as are not from
time to time particularly appropriated and allotted to other person
or persons, and there vend their flesh, fish, poultry, herbs, fruit, eggs,
butter, cheese, bacon, and other provisions and commodities, in the
public markets." A gentle hint also accompanies the above, in the
Digitized by
Google
148 FLY MARKET.
following language: " We are credibly informed that the merchants
of this city expect in a few weeks, from Ireland, about 6,000 firkins
of best Irish butter ; on the arrival of which, 'tis not impossible the
country people who used to supply our markets may be obliged to
purchase large quantities of aaliJ^ Sure enough, "on Tuesday last
(25^A December) arrived here the ship Pitt, Captain Montgomery,
in five weeks from Belfast. It ia said she has brought upwards of
2,000 firkins of choice butter, which sells cheap; and as great quan*
tities are daily expected from the same quarter, the country stomachs
will soon be brought to." Then we find the prices had induced frauds
in the making of it, of which " a quantity of bad butter was seized in
our market belonging to one Mr. Rosea, of Staten Island ; the rolls
were very artfully cased over with excellent/rc»A butter, and the in-
side so bad that it was fit for no other use than the soap-tub."
The reputation of the city and province was anything but good
in the packing of this article, and this reputation it appeared to have
enjoyed many years previous. This fact is strongly shown in the
" Independent Reflector," May 10, 1753, where the writer says, " I
cannot learn that the packing of butter for exportation was ever
regulated by any act of this province, tho' it constitutes a branch of
our trade so considerable, that ten thousand firkins have in one year
been brought to market in this city. Nor is there any reason for
supposing it would, under proper regulations, be inferior to the but-
ter of Ireland. Yet by the frequent frauds committed, and the little
care generally taken in its packing, it hath so greatly suffered in its
character, at almost every market whither we transmit it, that while
there is any Irish butter to be purchased, it will not sell, save at a
price too low for a reasonable profit. In proof of those reiterated
frauds and complaints, I believe I might appeal to every merchant
trading to the West Indies. I have myself seen twenty odd pounds
of salt taken out of one firkin ; and not only hogs' lard and tallow,
but even stones and brick have been sold for merchantable butter."
This Assize Law also created a great commotion among the
butchers, who were very indignant; and some even defied the au-
thorities. Complaints were made on the 23d December (same year)
of two of the most prominent of them, which appears in the follow-
ing language: " Whereas it hath this day been represented to this
Board, that John Carpenter, butcher, hath openly and contemptuous-
ly declared that he would sell his beef for 4.^d. per 9b. in ^ite of all
the wise heads that made the law could do, or words to that effect."
" He is ordered to appear before this Board, at the house of Walter
Brock, Inn-keeper, near the City Hall, to-morrow morningy to show
cause why he diould not be disfranchised."
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 149
Jacob Arden, another butcher, was also " complained of for speak-
ing in contemptuous manner and publicly violating the law for as-
sizing all kinds of provisions. The Board request the Mayor to
remove him out of the markets until he shall have obtained the
Freedom of the City/'
The next day, John Carpenter, of Kings County, (L. I.,) butcher,
who claims the Freedom of the City, attended, and William Bayard,
Esq., proved on oath the charge against him. The Board *' ordered
his license taken from him, turned out of market, and also disfran-
chised."
This "Freedom of the City" is noticed by a "freeholder of the
Second Ward," who says, " The Charter permits the Corporation to
exact the sum of five pounds (besides eight shillings to the Mayor,
seven and sixpence to the Clerk, and one shilling to the Cryer, pre-
scribed by law,) of every merchant or trader, as the price of his ad-
mission to the privileges of a freeman; and twenty shillings for a
mechanic or laborer, with the above perquisites."*
A committee of citizens of the First Ward, in the month of Au-
gust, 1797, petitioned the Common Council to grant b, freeTnanship
to a certain person whom they wished to elect as a Constable for that
Ward. They state, they "have long been unfortunate in the choice
of their constables, and wish to avoid this, if possible, in future.
In their endeavors to suppress vice and disorder, they readily dis-
cover the necessity of having peace oflBcers, in whom confidence can
be placed, and who are willing to discharge their duty. They have
found a difficulty in discovering a person of this description willing
to accept of the office, but are informed, with an opinion that Mr.
(Philip) Fnlkerson will answer their wishes and expectations. To
render him eligible to the contemplated office, it is necessary that
he diould be a * Freeman of the City J " They "beg leave to rec-
ommend him to your notice, as a person worthy of receiving his
/reafoiw."
We now leave this subject, and turn to Carpenter and Arden,
who were among the most prominent butchers of their day ; and
although they were found guilty and punished, yet they proved, to
the satisfaction of the Board, that meats, &c., could not be honestly
and profitably sold at the prices assized by this law. The Board
having had the subject of changing the cutsize previously under
consideration, at the same meeting, after awarding the punishment
to these butchers, changed the prices, as will be shown by the
Order: " That for the future, all kinds of meat be sold by weight,
and that the price of beef be at the rate of /our^^enoe, hcUf-pennyt
• Miner7a, Deo. 21, 1796.
Digitized by
Google
150 FLT MARKET.
by the pound weight; pork, five-pence, half-penny; veal, (hind
quarter,) sixpence; fore quarter, four-pence, half-penny; mutton,
four-pence, half-penny ; fresh butter, one shilling and three-pence:
milk, five coppers by the quart," &c.
We find the price of "milk" is noticed in this Assize Law, but it
does not appear that it was then allowed to be sold in the markets,
if we may judge from the tenor of a communication addressed to
Mr. Weyman, " Sib — I am surprised, and all my offspring aston-
ished, what can or may be the reasons that I am not admitted or
ordered into the public markets ? Tho' that I am the support and
only nourishment of almost every creature, the poorer sort of man-
kind are deprived of me, as they cannot bribe my bearers. The
richer sort do enjoy me, by the means of bribes, but not in my pu-
rity ; for I am obliged to run barefoot every evening and morning,
through so much water, that I am near being wasted to nothing*
All which might be prevented by your ordering me to be carried
into the market-houses, where every person, rich and poor, might
enjoy me in my purity, and should be obliged to runn the risque of
being entirely drowned. I beg some people will take this into ma-
ture consideration, and they'l oblige many a person and their hum-
ble servant, * New Milk.' "♦
It does not appear that milk was sold in the markets until after
the "Revolution:" then "Bear Market" took the lead; but the
citizens were usually served by the country milkmen and women,
who, after rounng dotvn or up to the city, carried it from house to
house with a yoke, in two kettles, which is peculiarly described in a
"Traveler's Letters" as follows: "There are the venders of milk:
instead of awkwardly traveling along with a heavy bucket of milk
in one hand only, they are thus accoutred: A piece of wood, (which
I call a yoke,) about two feet long, is made to fit around the back
of the neck, and rest upon the shoulders. To each end is affixed a
chain, with a hook at the end. This chain is of such length as to
enable them, by stooping a little, to hook the handles of two large
milk-vessels, made of tin, resembling a grocer's tea-canisters. One
of these is carried on each side, to the houses of their customers.
A loud cry of 'Milk come!' awakened me from a late sleep, this
morning ; and when I arose and went to the window, saw a Dutch-
man thus yoked."t This fashion of carrying a yoke continued,
with a few milkmen, up to as late as 1835.
We find the price of lamb is not noticed in this "Assize Law:"
no doubt the cause was, that it was then but little used, on account
of its scarcity ; or rather it would seem so to appear, from the fact
• October 8, 1763. f Literary Magazine, PhUadelphia, toL vil., p. 120
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 151
that a great nnmber of the principal inhabitants subscribed to the
following agreement, made on the 3d of February, 1766 : " We, the
inhabitants of the City of New York, do hereby engage and promise
that we will not buy, or suffer to be bought for our use, any lamb
before the first day of August next ; and that we will not buy any
meaJt from any butcher that shall expose any lamb to sale before
the day aforesaid, and will give all manner of discountenance to
such butchers for the future. Given under our hands at New York,
this 8d February, 1766." An editorial says:
'^ The resolutions against eating lamb before the first day of Au-
gust, or employing butchers that kill it, having been so generally
received in this town, must give great satisfaction to all well-wish-
ers to this country, as it will both save our money and employ our
poor, many of whom have been in a starving condition for want of
materials to keep them at work. To show the great consequences
of these resolves, let us only consider that in this town there are at
least 2,000 families that eat lamb, suppose two quarters each week,
from the first of April to the first of August, being seventeen
weeks, 17,000 lambs saved; the increased value of their wool and
skins in that time, at the medium of 2s. each, is £1,700, which, if
manufactured, will be six times the value of the materials, and pro-
duces £10,200. Another consideration in the eye of the public is,
that a quarter of lamb, at an average, before the above period,
weighs 3 lbs. per quarter, and afterwards about 8 lbs., though sold
nearly for the same money. But the greatest advantage to the
public still remains; for it cannot be doubted that, if all the lambs
were preserved as above, (which would cost the farmer scarce any-
thing,) a very considerable number would be kept over winter, to
inerease our stock in this most profitable and useful animal."
In the month of February, tiie year after, (1767,) it was again
recommended, " as the season now approaches for killing lambs, it
is hoped that all humane persons will abstain from buying a few
months, to increase the breed of sheep, and provide wool for the
employment and cloathing for the industrious poor."
Then appears the next year, that " It is expected that all the
members of the society will strictly adhere to their engagements
against eating lamb before the first of May."
The disposition made of the unfit or unwholesome meat, when of-
fered for sale in the markets at that period, was its immediate seizure,
and then burnt, which now would be considered a disagreeable and
unprofitable mode of disposing of it; however, but few cases are on
record^ and no doubt the reason was the prompt action of efficient
officers against offenders, who not only lost their meat, but had to
Digitized by
Google
152 FLY MARKET.
pay a heavy fine — ^part of Trhich was used to buy the wood to con*
smne it by fire. I find but two cases in a period of about thirteexi
years: one is noticed (March 17, 1755,) as follows: "Saturday a
carrion veal and a Iamb were seized in the Fly Market, and burnt
at the ferry stairs, by order of Alderman Philip Livingston, of this
city, it being diseased and unfit for use." The other, November 14,
1768 : " Some few days ago, nine pigs were seized in the Fly Market
as perfect carrion, which on the Mayor's view were sentenced to be
burnt publicly on the Common, (Park,) and the owner of them fined
forty shillings ; the sentence was immediately put in execution, and
part of the fine taken to purchase wood to burn them with."
The death of an old man, described in the N. Y. Gazette, Nov.
28, 1763, brings forth an '* old land-mark" near this market: " We
hear from Jamaica, L. I., that last week died there one John Cock-
fer, who was bom so long ago, that for many years he had forgot
his age. He often said he was a soldier in the Fort ( WiUiam) in
Governor Leysner's time, (who was here during a civil war,) and
had been a man grown several years before he enlisted, and that,
when a young man, he had often shot squirrels, quails, Ac, on or
near Pot-Baker's Hill* in this city, which was then a wilderness."
'' Po^6aker Hill" at that time was not the Pot-Baker Hill before
Chambers Street, known as Orolius' ; but its location is described
in the following advertisement from the same paper and year, dated
February 4 : " Jarvis Roebuck, cork-cutter, from London, living at
the foot of Pot'Baker^s HiU, between the Fly Ma/rket and the New
Dutch Church."
In the year 1770, alongside of this market-house, a " skirmish"
took place between two of the ** Liberty Boys" and some six or seven
of the King's soldiers. One of the "Sons of Liberty," Captain Isaac
Scars, appears to have picked up a ram^s-hom, the only weapon be-
longing to a male sheep, and used it with such effect as to have taken
two prisoners, and put the rest to flight.
Some extracts from the N. T. Journal, March 1st, give some in*
teresting particulars of some of these troubles. In the month of
January several attempts had been made by the soldiers to cut down
or blow up with powder the Liberty Pole, which had been erected
by the friends to liberty on the Common, (Park.)
'' The soldiers, determined to execute their project, availed them*
selves of the dead hour of the night, and at one o'clock they cut
down the Poky sawed and split it in pieces, and carried them to Mr,
Montayne's door, where they threw diem down and said — ^let us go
to our barracks."
* Liberty, between WiUlam and NasMm Streets.
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 153
*'This act so exasperated the citizens, that thej concluded, with the
assent of the authorities, to pull down an old house which was some*
limes used as a barrack by the soldiers, and also a fortification or
shelter, to ooTer their retreat when engaged in pulling down this jx>Ie.
The soldiers drew their cutlasses and bayonets, and dared the inhab-
itants to come and pull it down. The magistrates and officers, how-
erer, interposed, but the soldiers were bent on further insult to the
citizens; so they published a. handbill, reflecting on their place of
meeting, {which they called) the Gallows Green, a vulgar phrase for
a common place of execution, for murderers, robbers, traitors and
rioters; to the latter they compare the Liberty Boys, who have
nothing to boast of but the flippancy of tongue," &c. The Journal
ftirther says, that " Mr. Isaac Sears and Mr. Walter Quackenbos,
seeing six or seven soldiers going towards the Fly Market, con*
eluded they were going to it to put up some of the above (handbills)
papers ; upon the former coming to the market, they made up to the
soldiers,, and found them, as they had conjectured, pasting up one of
the papers. Mr. Sears seized the soldier that was fixing the paper
by the collar, and asked him what business he had to put up libels
against the inhabitants? and that he would carry him before the
Mayor. Mr. Quackenbos took hold of one that had the papers on
his arms. A soldier standing to the right of Mr. Sears drew his
bayonet; upon which the latter took a mm Vhorn, and threw it at
the former, which struck him on the head ; and then the soldiers,
except the two that were seized, made off, and alarmed others in the
barracks. They immediately carried the two to the Mayor, and as-
signed him the reason of tiieir bringing them before him« The
Mayor sent for Alderman Desbrosses, to consult on what would be
proper to be done in the matter. In the mean time, a considerable
number of people collected opposite to the Mayor's. Shortly after
about twenty soldiers, with cutlasses and bayonets, from the lower
barracks, made their appearance, coming to the Mayor's thro' the
main street. When they came opposite to Mr. Peter Bemsen's, he
endeavored to dissuade them from going any further, (supposing
they were going to the Mayor's,) represented to them that tiiey would
get into a scrape; but his advice was not taken, owing, as he sup-
poses, to one or two of their leaders, who seemed to be intoxicated.
The people collected at the Mayor's determined to let them pass by
peaceably and unmolested, and opened for them to go thro'. Cap-
tain Richardson and some of the citizens, judging they intended to
take the two soldiers from the Mayor's by force, went to his door to
prevent it When the soldiers came opposite to his house, they
halted; many of them drew their swords and bayonets; some say
Digitized by
Google
254 ^^^ MARKET.
they all drew; bnt all that were present agree that many did, and
faced about to the door, and demanded the soldiers in custody ; some
of them attempted to get into the house to rescue them ; Captain
Richardson and others at the door prevented them, and desired
them to put up their arms, and go to their barracks ; that the soldiers
were before the Mayor, who would do them justice; the soldiers
within likewise desired them to go away to their barracks, and leave
them to the determination of the Mayor. Upon the soldiers' drawing
their arms, many of the inhabitants conceiving themselves in danger,
ran to some sleighs that was near, and pulled out some of the rungs«
The Mayor and Alderman Desbrosses came out, and ordered the
soldiers to their barracks. After some time, they moved up the Fly*
The people were apprehensive that as the soldiers had drawn their
swords at the Mayor's house, and thereby contemned the civil au-
thorities and declared war against the inhabitants, it was not safe
to let them go thro' the streets alone, lest they might offer violence to
some of the citizens. To prevent which, they followed them and the
two magistrates aforesaid to the corner of Golden Hill, (John Street
and Pearl,) and in their going, several of the citizens reasoned with
them on the folly of their drawing their swords, and endeavored to
persuade them to sheath them, assuring them no mischief was in-
tended them, but without success. They turned up Oolden Hill,
and about the time they had gained the summit, a considerable num*
ber of soldiers joined them, which inspired them to re-insult the
magistrates, and exasperate the inhabitants ; which was soon mani-
fested by their facing about, and one in silk stockings and neat buck-
skin breeches, (who is suspected to have been an officer in disguise,)
giving the word of command, * Soldiers, draw your bayonets and cut
your way through them,' the former was immediately obeyed, and
they called out. Where are your Sons of Liberty now? and fell ^n the
citizens with great violence, cutting and slashing." '' One of them
made a stroke with a cutlass at Mr. Francis Field, one of the people
called Quakers, standing in an inoffensive posture in Mr. Field's
door, at the corner, and cut him on the right cheek; and if the corner
had not broke the stroke, it would have probably killed him. This
party that came down to the main street cut a tea-water man draw-
ing his cart, and a fisherman's finger ; in short, they attacked every
person that they could reach, and their companions on Golden Hill
were more inhuman ; for, besides cutting a sailor's head and finger,
they stabbed another with a bayonet ; two of them followed a boy
going for sugar into Mr. Eisworth's house ; one of them cut him on the
head with a cutlass, and the other made a lunge with a bayonet at
a woman. During the action on the hill, a small party of soldiers
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET. 155
came along the Fly by the market, and halted near Mr. Norwood's/'
where they drew their bayonets and attempted to strike Mr. Jon.
White. After which many of the magistrates and oflBcers collected
together and dispersed the soldiers.
The accommodations for the country people at this market had
now become insufficient, and the benches allotted for their use were
usually taken up by hucksters; so, in order to accommodate them,
the Board, in the month of February, 1771, ordered "Four tables
and a platform to be erected, to lay quarters of meat upon, and that
no butcher or huckster shall use any part of the above under for-
feiture of the provisions exposed." Before the close of the year a
further enlargement was asked for by a " considerable number of
freeholders living and residing near the Fly Market," " at their own
expense." They wish to build " an additional marketrkouae in the
middle of the street, to b^n opposite the house formerly posses'd
by Thomas Randel, and to extend toward the river as far as the
Smith's Shop now posses'd by John Boome." On the 28th October
this privilege was granted to them.
At this period some idea of the prices of meats may be formed
from a letter by Joseph Outen Bogert,* a butcher of this market,
who writes to the " Council," on the 2d September, 1771, and says,
'' I have served the Alms-House for some years past, and not doubt*
ing in the least but that your worthy gentlemen was fully satisfied
therewith, I have served the house with beef, tallow, mutton, lamb,
and veal, at 3d., at S^d., at S^d., and at 4d., according to the season
of the year, and the different prices of cattle, at such seasons which
upon a leavel I compute it about SJd. per pound, and we have had
a fine season for grass and hay. I'll undertake to serve the said
house at 3^d. per year ensuing."
In the month of August, the next year, the Justices and Vestry-
men invited "co?i^rac^«" again to serve the " Poor-House" for the
same articles, and notify ** that no allowance or abatement whatever
will be made therein, at the end of the year, should provisions un-
expectedly rise from the badness of the season, scarcity of cattle, or
otherwise. Signed, Ac, Augustus Courtlandt, Ck."
The exact number of the inhabitants at that time (1772) we find in
the N. Hampshire Gazette, August 6th, dated New York, July 22,
which says, ** An exact account has lately been taken at New York
of the inhabitants of that city and county, as follows, viz. :
Whites, 8,720 males under 16 years of age, \
'' 5,083 males above 16 and under 60, V 9,088
'^ 280 males of 60 and upwards, )
* The deftth of Joseph OatenbogArt, hatcher, is notloed In Febmaiy, 178a Hit MB
Abmhftm, ftod alio John Woods, were appointed his ezeeoton
Digitized by
Google
^e FLY MARKET.
Whites, 3,779 females under 16,
}
" 5,864 females above 16,
Blacks, 568 males under 16,
'
" 890 males above 16 and under 60,
•
" 42 males above 60,
" 559 females under 16,
-
" 1,085 females above 16,
Whole number, ...
.
9,643
1,500
1,644
21,870."
Crime at this period, such as robbery or burglary, was punished
with death, on both woman and man. The N. Y. Gazette, Novem-
ber 4, 1773, noticing an instance, says, "On Saturday last ended the
proceedings of the dupream Court of Judicature for this City and
County, when Elizabeth Donohough, for picking the pocket of Mr.
Abraham Van Gelder,* in the Fly Market, and Neptune^ a negro
man, for burglary, were sentenced to be hanged on Friday, the 10th
of December next."
After the new market-house was finished, it began to attract into
it many persons not intended to occupy it, to the exclusion of cer-
tain country people, some of whom were fishermen, who now began
to visit this market. This caused a law to be published, August
10th, 1774, as follows: "Whereas the Mayor, Aldermen, and Com-
monalty of the City of New York have lately caused to be erected
a market-house at Countesse's Slip, in the East Ward of this City,
on the southeasterly side of Dock (Water) Street, for the better ac-
commodating of the country people who come to this city with pro-
vision for sale, and those who bring fish to market only, notwith-
standing which sundry butchers have of late occupied the benches in
the said market, contrary to the intention of the said Mayor, Alder-
men, and Commonalty, and to the exclusion of the country people;
to prevent which for the future,
"5c it ordained by the Mayor, Ac, of the City of New York, in
Common Council convened, and it is hereby ordained by the au-
thority of the same, That if any person who now does, or hereafter
shall, follow or practice the business or occupation of a butcher in
this city, shall, after the fifteenth day of August (1774) instant, ei-
ther by him or herself, or his or her apprentice or servant, or by
any other person on his or her behalf, presume to sell, or offer or
expose to sale, any butchers' meat whatsoever in the aforesaid mar-
ket at Countesse's Slip, or shall lay any butchers' meat on any of
the benches within the same, every person so offensing shall forfeit
for every such offence the sum of twenty shillings. And whereas,
* TUs Mr. Van Oelder, on the Sd of April, 1776, '* teased at aaction all the pablio
markets for one year, at £276."
Digitized by
Google
FLY MABKET. 157
8ome batchers have made a practice of slanghtering and dressing
sheep, Unnb, and calves in the publick markets in this city, which
occasions filth, and is offensiye to the people in the neighborhood:
'^Be it therefore further ordained by the anthority aforesaid, That
if any batcher or other person shall, after the said fifteenth day of
Augost instant, slaughter or dreas any sheep, lamb, or calf, in any
of the markets of the said city, he or they so offensing shall forfeit
for every offence the sum of ten shUUng: which fines and forfeitores
shall be recovered before the Mayor or Recorder, or any one of the
Aldermen of the said city, with costs, by any person or persons who
shall prosecute for the same."
The continued exciting circumstances which followed caused the
" spirit of freedom and patriotism to show themselves, and soon
they marched boldly forward into the * War of the Revolution.' "
The inducements held out by the British oflScers led many of the
slaves to desert their masters: among whom were several belong-
ing to the butchers of this market, one of whom was our '' con-
temptuous John Carpenter;" and they advertised them as ''Ron
a Way's,"* in the month of March, 1776. Carpenter says, " Ran
away last Tuesday, the 5th inst., from the subscriber, living at
Brooklyn Ferry, a negro man named Tom, about 23 years of age, 5
feet, 8 inches high ; had on, when he went away, a blue jacket,
buckskin breeches, blue-and-white spotted stockings, a tow shirt,
and old beaver hat, cut small, a half-worn pair of shoes, with odd
buckles. He is a likely, well-set fellow ; understands butchering
very well ; was late the property of John Beck, of this the City of New
York,butcher; speaks Dutch and English tolerably well." '* 20 shil-
lings reward if he is taken in the city, and 40 shillings if taken
out," ''and all reasonable charges paid, by John Carpenter."
Ooodheart Seigler, butcher, also notices his " negro boy Prince as
having run away, he being a butcher by trade." Another, by the
name of Daniel Enslee, (Ensley, Insley, Inslow, Ac.,) advertises his,
and agrees to give ''twenty shillings reward for the taking of
Tom, a negro man, if this side of Eingsbridge ; if on the other side,
forty shillings paid by me, Daniel Ensleb, Butcher in Fly
Market."*
An incident soon after occurred, which rather reflected on this Mr.
Enslee. Before the "Patriots" left the city, provisions had become
scarce, and it was quite difficult for several of the batchers (among
whom were John Carpenter, Mathew Qleaves, John Pessenger, and
others,) to supply the Continental troops, hospitals, Ac, with fresh
beef. Neat catde were very scarce, and what few were obtained,
• ••CoDsUiatioma Ghiseite.''
Digitized by
Google
158 ^LY MARKET.
it was hazardous to bring them to the city by the drovers, although
they were usually engaged before their arrival.
This incident, however, is better explained in the following peti-
tion, which was presented to the *' Provisional Congress," then the
acting magistrates : " The humble petition of John Carpenter, SenV,
and Mathew Gleves, victuallers, (supply biUcheraJ and Willbur
Wood, drover, sheweth: That the said Willbur Wood has been em-
ployed by the said John Carpenter and Mathew Gleves, as a dro-
ver, to purchase cattle for them. On the 16th of June instant, set
out with them from his place of abode in Dutchess County, in this
province; that yesterday evening, about four o'clock, after said
Willbur Wood had delivered the cattle at Richard Verian's, (Vari-
an's,) the Bull's Head, in the Bowery Lane, for said Carpenter and
Gleves, he went over to acquaint them of having brought such
cattle, and where he had left them ; that on his return to New
York, near the Fly Market he met with one Mr. Daniel Inslow,
and two other persons, who invited said Willbur Wood to go with
them and drink some beer, which he did, as having been before ac-
quainted with said Inslow, when, in discourse, said Wood was
asked if he did not bring down cattle for said Carpenter and
Gleves, which he answered in the affirmative. They then replied,
that Carpenter should have none of them, for if he had, said Wood
would meet with trouble, and directed him to come to said Bergen's,
this day, at two o'clock in the afternoon, and he should be paid for
them by the said Inslow. That said Carpenter and Gleves have
frequently supplied the Continental troops with provisions, and
said Carpenter at this time supplied two of the hospitals ; and if
these cattle are wanted for the troops, they are willing they should
part with the cattle for that purpose ; but if that is not so, your
petitioners most humbly pray that this Honorable Board will be
pleased to take the premises into consideration, and make such or-
der as shall appear necessary for the said cattle to be restored to
your petitioners, John Carpenter, Sen,, and Mathew Gleves, who
wait on this Honorable Board with this their humble petition, to
give such further account and satisfaction in the premises as this
Honorable Board may require. John Carpenter,
" Willbur Wood, Mathew Glbavbs.
•' New York, Friday Morning, June 21, 1776."
Daniel Inslow was called before the "Congress/' and also the
petitioners, who were respectively heard ; after which, the " Con-
gress" "Thereupon Besdved and Ordered^ That Daniel Inslow do
immediately redeliver to Willbur Wood the cattle which he took
from him, and that he see them safely driven to the yard from
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET. 159
which they were driven." "He was also reprimanded from the
* Chair' for his improvident conduct, and discharged,"*
John Pessenger also supplied one portion of the Continental
troops 4kt that period, while occupying stand No. 1 in this market.
He being a somewhat remarkable, as well as a patriotic character,
perhaps a few incidents connected with his varied life may be found
interesting.
About the year 1740 his parents resided in a German settlement
called Stone^Arabia, some fifty miles from Albany, in the State of
New York. At that early period many of the Indians were very
troublesome, especially those living among the French in Canada,
who occasionally made war excursions among the settlers in the
northern part of the State, when they murdered the people, burnt
their dwellings, and destroyed their crops. In one of these excur-
sions, the residence of the parents of Pessenger was attacked and
burnt, when they fled for their lives towards Albany, but on their
way were obliged to stop among some friendly Indians, and then,
in a wigwam, John Pessenger was born, in the year 1742.
Some protection was afterwards afforded them by the Govern-
ment, when they and many others returned ; only, however, for a
few years, as the continued diflBculties with the French and their
Indian allies led to a declaration of war. Then again commenced
the destruction of human life, of property, and the carrying off cap-
tives by the savages, both French and Indians. The thriving vil-
lage of Saratoga and some thirty families were sacrificed by them ;
and at this time the brother of Pessenger, named Sbffrekes, was
carried into captivity, and kept among the Indians ten years, before
he was able to return to his parents, who had long given him up as
one of the murdered victims.
Pessenger afterwards came to the City of New York, and served
an apprenticeship with Andreas Regler, when he commenced busi-
ness in this market, where we find him before the Revolution. Pre-
vious to that, he had married a young widow, with an only daughter,
named Dorothy, who, after the Revolution, became the wife of Henry
Astor ; and she proved a valuable assistant to him, being not only a
fine-looking woman, but very active, hard-working, and withal quite
frugal. Mrs. Astor was childless, which no doubt left her but few
household duties to perform ; and as it was then quite fashionable,
as well as it was considered a respectable duty of the '* working
ladies" of that day to assist their husbands in the prosecution of
their business, she, at an early period of her married life, occasion-
ally took part with her husband in the slaughter-house, in assisting
* Prooeedl&ga of the Proridonal CoQgroBi.
Digitized by
Google
1^ FLY MARKET.
to prepare tbe mnaU rntai^ for the market. Their oombined in*
diistry and frugality soon placed it in their power to enjoj a resi-
dence in the Bowery, and the owners of considerable property.
The great and oontinaed attachment which Astor had for his help-
mate was ofttimes displayed in his bringing her home the gayest
dresses, or other fancy articles, which he thought woold please her.
As there was nothing too good for his wife, in (act, he often (in his
crooked English) expressed himself to his associates, that his
'' Dolly was de pink of de Powery." Bnt I am straying from her
step-father, John Pessenger, who, among other children, had two
sons by this wife, named Andrew and John, and both became
butchers.
Andrew, in 1797, obtained a stand in this market, formerly occa-
pied by George Arnold, and in 1810 changed it to No. 5 ; but on
the breaking out of the war of 1812, he entered into the naval
service, on board of the U. S. sloopof-war Wasp; and he was in the
engagement between that vessel and H. B. M. sloop^if-war Beindeer^
on the 28th of Jone, 1814. In the list of ''severely wounded" in
that action was the name of Andrew Passinger, who soon after
died of these wounds.
The other son, John, Jr., in the year 1796 purchased, at public
auction, stand No. 62 in this market, where he continued business
until the year 1812, when he exchanged with Adam Hartell for No.
85 Bear Market ; and when the new Washington Market building was
finished, he was transferred into that. Previous to the war of 1812,
he had served his military term out in an artillery company, under
Captain John Menus ;• but the war demanded from him further du-
ties, and he became drafted in a militia company, when he per-
formed three months' duty, for which his widow received 160 acres
of land, he having deceased in the year 1818.
The patriotism of the father of John Pessenger, Sr., early led
him into the ranks of the '' Liberty Boys/' and no doubt, when the
Continental troops were assembled in the city, he was sought after
to supply a portion of them with provisions; and being well known
to most of the farmers and graziers in Westchester County and
Long Island, he was enabled to keep them well supplied ; which
fact brought him to the notice of General Washington, who found
in him a trustworthy and confidential man. On the retreat of the
Continental Army to Harlaem Heists, Pessenger went with them ;
and he became installed with additional duties, in the purdiasing of
cattle and other live stock, for which he was liberally supplied by
the Commissary with the Continental paper money, which at that
period was at par.
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET. 161
The morning on which the "Battle of Harlaem Plains'' took place,
Pessenger being at work, slaughtering in a barn near by, the bat-
tle had commenced, when Washington sent word to him to order
all hands out, to assist with the wounded, and to his personal care
he assigned Major Leitch, of Virginia, whom he said was a particu-
lar friend ; and on leaving him he impressively said, " Pessenger, I
commit him to your charge, and do not leave him until I see you
again, unless I am killed." Pessenger had the wounded Major con-
Teyed to a farm-house, where he remained with him, doing all, and
more than all, that was ordered by the surgeon. The next day
Washington visited his sinking friend, and found, from the nature
of his wounds, that he could not live ; although, no doubt, from the
careful nursing and attention, he lived some fourteen days after-
wards, when he expired. Pessenger said that Washington was very
much affected, after every visit, and more especially when he died.
Pessenger continued with the army to White Plains, where he
occasionally had in possession sometimes 50 to 75 head of cattle at
one time, which were usually inclosed in a barn-yard. One night
the cattle broke out and strayed off towards the British lines, when
all hands were ordered out to hunt them up, and it was near day-
light before they all reached home. Pessenger had also strayed
quite near the British lines; '* hoping," as he afterwards said, ''of
bringing in a tory or two," and while wending his way back, in
passing a piece of woods, he heard the sound of a voice or voices.
It being yet quite dark in the woods, he crept along behind the trees
and bushes, when he got near enough to hear, as he thought, some-
body in distress; the indistinctness, however, led him nearer, when
he discovered it to be Washington, who had early gone out to visit
the lines and reconnoitre the enemy's position, as he expected an at-
tack that morning, and on returning he had stopped in this quiet
place, where, on bended knees, Pessenger found him praying for
his country and the success of his patriotic countrymen. Pes-
senger quietly withdrew and returned to his quarters, to find all the
missing cattle closely yarded. Sure enough that morning the ''Bat-
tle of White Plains "v began, and again his services were demanded,
and again he assisted with the wounded.
The acquaintance in this county was no doubt the cause of Pessen-
ger's remaining here during the war. In the mean time Gen. Howe,
in New York, had been very anxious to procure several persons,
who were acquainted with the country round about the City of New
York, to procure him the necessary supplies, and having heard
through Manoid^ a tailor in New York, (who happened to be Pes-
senger's brother-in-law,) his relationship with Pessenger, when he
Vol. I.— U
Digitized by
Google
1^2 f^Y MARKET.
induced him to go and visit Pessenger, and with large rewards to
engage him if possible. Manold found Pessenger, and offered him
500 guineas as a bonus, and a large salary besides, to engage in the
service of Howe. Pessenger's patriotic blood was up in a moment^
and he quickly told his brother-in-law, that " General Howe could
not buy him with all his golden guineas, and he might take them
back and tell Howe to — " do something else with them.
Previous to the war he had purchased at private sale of Colonel
De Lancey the corner lot and an old farm-house which stood upon
it, then known as the comer of Bowery Lane and Fisher Street,
(the present corner of Bowery and Bayard Street,) where he had
taken up his residence, but which of course he had to vacate when
the British took possession of the city.
When peace was proclaimed, he returned and took possession of
his old habitation, as well as his stand No. 1, from which he had
been deprived of for seven long years, and again he commenced his
old business.
It was not long before he found the property of De Lancey was
confiscated, and his own along with it ; when he applied to Gen. Wash-
ington for his opinion and advice in relation to it ; the General in-
formed him that he thought the receipt given by De Lancey when
he purchased this property was sufiBcient to entitle him to hold it;
but it appears not to have been satisfactory to the Commissioners of
Forfeiture, and it was sold at public auction, and again purchased
by Pessenger, who then thought, that as the country was so much
embarrassed in her financial affairs, that he would say no more about
it to Washington. Another loss, or rather an aflSiction, soon after
took place, in the death of his beloved wife.
Washington became President of the United States in 1789, and
shortly after removed his residence to Franklin Square, then known
as No. 1 Cherry Street, in this city, and where he sought Pessenger
to furnish his table with meats, which in the course of time led Pes-
senger to occasionally visit Mr. Tobias Lear, the secretary of Wash-
ington, at the latter's residence, where, after a time, he became ac-
quainted with one of Mrs. Washington's waiting-maids, Miss Maria
M. Henigar, the daughter of Christof Henigar, a fine rosy-cheeked
girl, and somewhat remarkable for beauty and healthfulness. Tlie
visits became quite agreeable to both parties, and finally it was so
interesting, that when Mrs. Washington moved to Philadelphia,
Miss Henigar could not be induced to remove with her, as she had
made up her mind to join Pessenger in the holy bonds of matrimony ;
and she is yet (1861) living, being more than 94 years of age.
John Pessenger continued his business on his old stand in this
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET. 163
market until he died, which event took place on the Fourth of
July, 1811.
After the British troops had taken possession of the city, officers
for the various departments were soon after appointed by the chief
officer in command, from whom emanated various proclamationfi
and orders to establish the necessary rules and regulations govern-
ing the markets, police, prices to various articles, to prevent extor-
tion in seasons of scarcity, to order supplies ; all of which were
Qsoally promulgated through the press. Other sources will also
show how the city was supplied with provisions, their prices at
various dates, with other matters connected with the workings of
the government under Martial Law.
The first is an order from the Oommissary-General,* addressed to
** John Hewlet, Esq., Long Island:'' Commissary-Oeneral's orders
for cattle and sheep, dated Jamaica, October 2d, 1776: "You are to
use your utmost endeavors to procure and bring to me cattle and
sheep for the use of the army. When they are delivered to me, a
receipt will be given for them, to be paid for at a certain time and
place. If you find any butchers or other persons interfering with
you in this business, or buying from the country people, under pre-
tence of bringing it in to me, without a written order signed by me,
you will seize their cattle from them for His Majesty's use, put a
fair value on them, and drive them in to me; and on delivery, such
butchers will be paid for them, or have a receipt. You will also
secure and seize for His Majesty's use all cattle and sheep belonging
to Rebels^ who have left their habitations, and bring them in to me.
And you will employ proper persons to assist you. For doing
whereof, this shall be your warrant. I expect your utmost care and
dispatch in thisi business ; and be sure to report to me what you do
in it. JjkMEs Christie, Commissary for Cattle and Sheep."
Mr. George Cherry was appointed agent for supplying or victual-
ing His Majesty's fleet in North America, and he was found on board
of the ship " Grand Duke," at Brownjohn's Wharf, near this market.t
Andrew Elliott was appointed the next year, on the 4th of May,
** Superintendent-General of the Police, with powers to issue such
orders and regulations, from time to time, to suppress vice and sup-
port the poor — direction of the night watch — the regulations of mar-
kets and ferries, and all other matters, Ac. ; he will be assisted by
David Matthews, Esq., Mayor, with the police.''^
The prices of provisions, soon after the occupation of the city by
the British troops, became much enhanced. Eddis, in his letters
• N. T. Packet, February 20, 1786. f GMette, May 12, 1777.
X lUd., May U, 177a
Digitized by
Google
164 ^^^ KARKKT.
written in 1777, gives a few remarks in relation to the supplies, as
follows: "Notwithstanding the war, New York is plentifully sup-
plied from Long Island with provisions of all kinds. It must, how-
ever, be confessed that almost every article bears an exorbitant
price when compared with that of former happy times," From an-
other source, in the same year : " Every article of provision is scarce
and dear — the beef which formerly sold for 8 coppers sells for 24.
No fresh butter to be had ; only Irish butter, very strong^ at three
shillings per pound."* On the following 20th of April, the same pa-
per says: "Beef at 14d. sterling per pound by the quarter; mutton
and veal at 18d. ; butter at 4s. Id. a scant two*pound roll ; milk 7d.
per quart; bread very dear, and all sorts of poultry, which is now
very scarce; cabbages, small, from 7d. to 20d. apiece; spinage at
lOd. and 12d. for a half a peck ; three, four, and five eggs for 7d., and
everything in proportion." Then, following on the 3d of Novem-
ber: "As fresh beef and pork now bear a very generous price in
this city, it would be advisable in the country people to bring down
as much as they can of that species of provisions, and not all at once,
but at different periods, and in return they can supply themselves
with the best beef and pork in the world, (ready salted to their
hands,) for one-third less than they sell their fresh meat/ar.^^f The
same paper on the 22d of December following says : " On Wednesday
next, being Christmas Eve, forty poor widows, housekeepers, having
families in this city, will receive 40 lbs. of fresh beef, and a half-a-
peck loaf each, on a certificate of their necessity, signed by two
neighbors of repute, which is to be determined at the Rev. Dr«
Inglis's house in the Broadway, between 10 and 12 o'clock that day,
who will give a ticket for the above donation." This was the gift
of an advertising member of the law, named John Coggil Enapp.
The same paper also notices the seizure from a set of monopo-
lizing hucksters, who " for some time past, undiscovered, made a
practice to purchase up great quantities of potatoes, turnips, Ac^
brought to this market for the use of the inhabitants of this city,
stow them in cellars near the dock, and afterwards introduce them
into the market, and dispose them at a very exorbitant price. This
being made known to our Mayor, he ordered a large quantity of
different vegetables that had been stored in order to be sold as men-
tioned above, to be seized last Friday, and the same were sent to
the public Aims-House for the use of the poor."
The N. Y. Journal, August 10, 1778, speaks of ''a gentleman who
left Flushing, on Long Island, last Lord's Day, represents that there
are about 12,000 of the enemy's troops stationed at New York, Long
* American Remembranoer, Feb. Sd. ^KY, Gazette aad Weekly Meroarj.
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET. ^ 165
Uand, Staten Island, and King's Bridge, and about 5,000 at Rhode
Island. That bread is very scarce with them ; pease and oat-meal
being served out instead thereof; the Commissary's rations are en-
tirely stopped, and the soldiers' wives, who were entitled to half a
ration, are reduced to a quarter. That the Long Island people are
selling off their small cattle, poultry, Ac, as they are daily robbed
of them by the soldiery."
Prom the (N. Y.) "Gazette," November 14, 1778, which had pre-
viously become both royal and loyal, we learn the condition of the
workingmen, and its editor's somewhat generous treatment towards
his workmen, as will appear from their appeal, headed "The journey-
men printers to the master printers: Gentlemen — As the necessaries
of life are raised to such an enormous price, it cannot be expected
that we should continue to work at the wages now given, and there-
fore request an addition of three dollars per week to our present
small pittance. It may be objected that this requisition is founded
upon the result of a combination to distress the master printers, at
this time, on account of the scarcity of hands ; but this is far from
being the case, it being really the high price of every article of life,
added to the approaching dreary season. There is not one among
us, we trust, that would take an ungenerous advantage of the times.
We only wish hardly to exist, which it is impossible to do with our
present stipend. There is scarcely a common laborer but gets a
dollar per day and provisions, and the lowest mechanicks from 12
to 18s. per day." The editor of this paper says, " I do consent to
the above requisition. Jambs Rivington."
In the year 1777, the farmers on Long Island were found possess-
ed of great quantities of wheat, rye, and Indian com, as it was un-
reasonable that those who stood in need should be left at their
mercy, so the price of wheat was fixed at 129. per bushel of 58 lbs. ;
lye and com at 7s. ; wheat flour, 35s. per cwt. ; rye, 20s., and Indian
com at 17s. They were ordered to thrash out one-third of their
crop immediately, one-third by February next, and the balance by
the 1st of May, 1778. The price put on upland hay was 8s. ; salt
hay, 4s. ; straw, Ss. per cwt, and 2s. 6d. per ton for carting or water
carriage.
The prices of wood were also regulated in the same manner. In
1778, " it was ordered, that from and after Saturday, the 5th day of
December next, no more them Jive ponnds currency shall be demand-
ed or paid for a cord of walnut wood, and four pounds for any other
sort of wood. The above raJtea being deemed from the best in-
formation amply suflSdent, the owners of veMda and the boatmen
that have usually supplied this city with wood, are hereby warned
Digitized by
Google
166 FLY MARKET.
not to attempt to distress the inhabitants by desisting from bring-
ing the same, as their vessels and boats shall, upon proof thereof, be
seized and assigned to others that will undertake to supply the city,
and all protections and passes shall be withdrawn from such delin-
quents. Those persons that have cut tvood for the use of this city
in consequence of the permits granted, are to send it to New York
as soon as possible ; upon proof of unnecessary delay, the wood shall
be forfeited for the benefit of the poor, and their permits withdrawn/**
Then follows "A proclamation of His Excellency Sir Henry Clin-
ton, dated New York, December 20, 1778 :, the farmers of Long Island
and Staten Island were ordered to thrash and bring to market^ by
stated periods, such proportions of wheat, rye, and Indian corn in
their possession as they did not stand in need of for the support of
their families and the sowing their lands. They were required also
to give an account to the Colonels of Militia of their respective dis-
tricts what quantity of grain they possessed, and what it might be
necessary to reserve for the above uses. The Commander-in-Chief
has been pleased to order that proclamation to remain in force, and
be strictly observed, the rates excepted, which, as an encouragement
for an ample supply of the markets, are to be as follows :
26 shillings currency per bushel*
" " per cwt.
" " per bushel.
" per cwt.
" " per bushel.
" " per cwt.
per bushel,
per cwt.
" It is therefore ordered, that from and after the first day of Feb-
ruary next, no greater price for any of the above articles shall be
demanded, offered, or received, on the penalty of the person so of-
fending forfeiting (on being convicted on oath before the police of
New York, or the Colonels of the Militia of the district on Long
Island or Staten Island, where the oflfence is committed,) the grain,
flour, corn, or meal so offered to be sold or purchased, or the
value thereof, and to suffer imprisonment till the said forfeiture
is paid ; the one-half of the forfeiture to be paid to the informer,
and the other half for the use of the poor of this city, or the town-
ship where the offence is committed.
" The police of New York and the Colonels of Militia on Long
Island and Staten Island are hereby required to take an account of
what quantities of wheat, rye, Indian corn, grain, flour, or meal are
* Royal Gkizette, Januaiy 22, 1779.
" Wheat,
26
Wheat flour, •
80
Rye, - - -
10
Rye meal,
80
Indian corn,
10
Indian meal, •
28
Buckwheat,
7
Buckwheat meal, •
26
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 167
in their respective districts, and in whose possession, and report the
same as soon as possible to the Commandant of New York.
" D. Jones, Major- General.^^
" In the month of March, 1779," says Johnson, " flour and bread-
stuff were nearly exhausted in the British store-houses at New
York. There was no good flour ; and the Hessians, who were in
Brooklyn, drew damaged oatmeal instead of bread. This meal,
baked into cakes, was unfit for use ; and the writer has seen them
cast to the swine, which would not eat them. The soldiers were
mutinous. AH the grain possessed by the farmers was estimated,
and placed under requisition. The timely arrival of a few victu-
aling ships relieved the scarcity, and saved the British from a sur-
render to the Americans to escape starvation."* The price of
flour, on the 15th of December, 1780, is shown from a petition of
the bakers of the city, who state, " That the price of flour — being
advanced beyond the assize of bread — that they cannot afford to
carry on their business." The Board of the Chamber no doubt as-
sisted the bakers, as they *' are of opinion that good flour cannot
now be purchased under three pounds per hundred weight." t How-
ever, the timely arrival of vessels from the mother-country greatly
assisted the citizens with supplies, and at this period is found no-
ticed in the press the arrival of beef from the " Leaden Hall Mar-
ket." " Uriah Hendricks has for sale ' the best London beef, fresh
put up in Leaden Hall Market,' preserved by a new method, with
saltpetre, spice, Ac, and is in excellent order for family use, being
in casks, of 112 lbs. each ; its cost at London was more than double
price of Irish beef."! The Royal Gazette following, October 13,
notices •' 'London Beef' — A few barrels of the prime London beef,
put up at the Leaden Hall Market, for private family use, and im-
ported in the ship Botoman, yet remains on hand, and may be had
by applying immediately to Captain Taylor, on board of said ves-
sel, now lying at Marston's Wharf."
Vegetables and fruit also appeared very scarce, at times; there
was but little raised, and that little almost clandestinely grew in
some place beyond the reach of the numerous marauding troops, or
immediately under the protection of the commanding ofBcers. The
consequence was, but a small supply ever came to the markets, for
as soon as it was landed, it was immediately taken up at almost any
price by the wealthy, or the most favored tavern-keepers.
"An oflScer lately returned from New York reports that vegeta-
bles and fruit are so excessively scarce there, that' an ordinary din-
* Navftl Magmslne, vot. {.. p. 568. f ProoeedingB of the Chuibeff of Commeroe.
t K T. OMMtte, a» , Jane 21, 1779.
Digitized by
Google
168 FLY MARKET.
ner at any of the taverns in the citj, the garden staff and dessert
generally exceed the charge of eyery article of the entertainment
besides, wine and firing (fire-wood) only excepted."*
A few months before, the inventor and patentee of the preserved
meats was brought to light, in the following notice: ** Portable
soup — ^veal, mutton, and beef— fresh imported from Ur. Piper, the
patentee, successor to Debois, the first inventor of these excellent
cakes for invalids and persons traveling by land and water, proving
the most excellent succedaneum in the world. Enquire of the
printer." t
The same paper notices the loss of ten fat cattle, which, by de-
scription, would be considered now-a-days a hard lot: '* Stolen or
strayed, the 6th inst., from the farm of John Houls, living at Qow-
anus, four miles from Brooklyn Ferry, ten fat oaitU: two oxen, one
large black cow, one black two year old bull, two one year old stears,
one three year old steer, three two year old heifers. Twenty dol-
lars reward will be given to any person that secures them, so that
the owner may have them again ; either acquaint John Houls or
William Mooney, butchers in the Fly Market.^^X
The winter of 1779 and '80 was a most remarkable cold winter,
for the long continuance of cold weather not only closed both the
North and East Rivers, but also closed the Bay of New York with
solid ice. Near every article of provisions and wood was brought
across in sleighs, and '' a troop of horse and artillery crossed to
Staten Island on this immense bridge, which connected all onr
islands one with the other, and with the main-Iand."§ " Fuel and
provisions were scarcely to be purchased by the citizens, even those
who had means of paying exorbitant prices. In many instances
household furniture was broken up to supply the fire necessary to
support life."
Perhaps the following will more fully demonstrate the above
facts, which we find in the " Penn^ Packet," as follows: " Poughkeep-
sie, January 10. The very remarkable and long-continued severity
of the weather (the like not havirig been knovm, as we are informed,
ly the oldest man living) has stopped all the avenues of intelligence,
and almost cut off all social intercourse between people of the same
neighborhood.
'' The incessant intenseness of the cold, the great depth and quan-
tity of the snow, followed in quick succession one on the back of
another, attended with violent tempests of wind, which for several
days made the roads utterly impassable, has put a stop to business
* UpcoU'8 CoUeotioDS, vol. tI., p. 143. f N. Y. Gazette, Aagust 19, 1780.
t Ibid., November 20, 1779. § Dunlap's Hiit. N. T., p. 166.
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKBT. 169
of all kinds except such as each family conld do within itself. And
as many were slender proyided with necessaries for subsistence, we
have reason to apprehend that we shall shortly hear many melan-
choly accounts of private distress in the country ; and that from the
sea-coasts and vessels at sea, the accounts will be dreadful."* '' The
sound between Long Island and Connecticut is almost froze over
in the undest part, and some persons have passed over from Long
Island to Norwalk and other parts of Connecticut on the ice. Wood
is brought from Long Island to New York on sleighs. It is also
passable from Paulus Hook to New York."t A party of mounted
refugees who had been making surpriBois, among which, an ac-
count says: '^The further trophies of this successful excursion are
three handsome sleighs, with ten good horses, all of which were
yesterday (Feb. 1) driven to New York over the ice from Staten
Island, an enterprise never yet attempted since the first settlement of
this country J^X " Yesterday, (Feb. 6,) 86 loaded sleighs went from
this city to Staten Island on the ioe."§
''A few nights since a number of prisoners escaped from one of
the prison ships in New York on the ice, one of whom froze to death
before he reached the shore.^1 (No doubt he was almost dead from
starvation and disease before he started.) At a later date another
escape from this prison ship is thus noticed : " Last Sunday, {2Qth
August, 1780,) came to town (Phila.) Captain Richard Grinnell,
who made his escape from the Scorpion prison ship in New York,
on Tuesday, the 15th inst. He informs us that on the day he left
New York, there was the hottest press ever known there ; they
pressed about 700 men that day, and the press still continued ; that
they not only took seamen, but all the refugees, laborers, and mer-
chants' clerks they came a^sross. Captain Grinnell further says,
that there was on board the two prison ships. Scorpion and Strom-
billo, about 300 prisoners.''1[
In the year 1782, the cold weather must have been more severe
than that two years before, but not so long continued. The news from
New York, dated January 31, states: "We have had a more intense
frost since Monday last, than any inhabitant of this city remembers
to have happened for twenty years past. It has rendered the ar-
rival of vessels, and, consequently, the means of obtaining intelli-
gence, impracticable."^^ Then appears on the 4th of February, "In
tfie late severe weather on Tuesday and Wednesday last, some peo-
ple were found frozen to death in their crafts in the Bast and Hud-
• 1780. Janaary 27. f ThX^-, Feb. S. % Ibtd., Felk 11
§ GtiM's Mercury, Ao., FeK 7. || New Hampehire Gaiette, Febmaiy 6.
Y Peoaa. Packet, Angnat 22. •• Peuna. Packet, Feb. 12, 1782.
Digitized by
Google
170 FL7 MARKET.
son's Rivers ; and, indeed, the bay was so full of ice all the last week
that our navigation to Staten Island has been greatly impeded."
The manner in which the authorities at this period disposed of the
stands in the several markets is thus noticed: "By permission of
the Commandant, the stalls and standings of the several markets in
this city will be exposed to sale at public auction on Monday, the
13th of March next, at 12 o'clock, at the house of Mr. John Roome,
inn-keeper, the corner of Water Street and the Fly Market. Condi*
tions will be made known at the time of sale. In Vestry, 2l8t Feb-
ruary, 1780.*
The formation and peculiar duties of this Vestry are more fully
shown in Butler's letter, who says, "At this time, December, 1777, the
poor were greatly distressed, and General Robertson, then Command-
ant of New York, was pleased to appoint nineteen gentlemen from
the different wards of the city, to solicit contributions for their relief.
These gentlemen, with the magistrates of police, were then formed
into a Vestry, and the Aims-House and poor of the city were com*
mitted to their care ; and latterly, the pumps, lamps, &c. — proper
funds for the execution of the trust repos^ in them were necessary —
therefore the rents of such houses and stores as were not wanted for
the service of government, and the five {six, viz,, Goenties Slip, (Hd
Slip, Fly, Peck Slip, Bear, and Oswego) markets were appropriated
to the funds for the Vestry. ^^\
The street which ran alongside of this {Fly) market was not
known at this period as Maiden Lane, but as " Fly Market,'^ and
occasionally as " Ply Market Street," from the corner of Queen
{Peart) Street, where the numbers began ; in fact, we find but few
streets properly numbered, until after the British troops had taken
possession of the city. The "Gazetted furnishes us with several
evidences of the above facts. In 1778: "Joseph Collins, Taylor,
takes this method to acquaint the gentlemen of the navy and army
that he has lately removed to No. 22 *Fly Market.'" Then there
appears in 1779 : " Wanted, empty soap and candle boxes. Any per-
son who has them to dispose of may hear of a purchaser by applying
to Gregg and Laffan, Tallow Chandlers in the Fly Market."
1780: "To be sold, the lease of a house in the 'Ply Market,' late
the property of Mr. Timothy Slandert, deceased." 1781 : " William
Torrence & Co. have removed to No. 2 Fly Market, next door to
William Campbell's, vhere they are opening for sale broadcloths
and Rattinetts, Ac." In 1799, the numbers were continued through ;
that is, Maiden Lane from Broadway, where the numbers began, to
No. 112 corner of Pearl Street, was then known by this name, and
* Royal Gazette. f The Tomtiiuon Pi^fiera, MercantUe Library AssociaUoo.
Digitized by
Google
FLY MABKBT. 171
from 112 to the East River was called the " Fly Market,^' although
the numbers continued on to the end of the market.
Fly Market Street continued in existence until the 26th of April,
1824, when Assistant Alderman Samuel St. John called up his
*' resolution" for giving the name of Maiden Lane to the whole street
running from the North to the East River, " now known as Cort*
landt Street, Maiden Lane, and Fly Market Street," which was
adopted ; but Gortlandt Street still survives.
We turn to the 26th of April, 1780, and find the following : ''Notice
is hereby given that no persons whatsoever are to be admitted into
the British lines without having previously obtained passports for
the purpose, from the Commandant of New York, except those who
come to and go from the markets. They will report themselves to
the police, whose permissions for taking out horses, Ac, will be suf-
ficient. Oliver Dblancet, Adjt. General."*
Some three years after, on the 1st of January, (1783,) ''Notice is
hereby given to any person or persons inclined to enter into a con-
tract for supplying /re^A beef to His Majesty's ships at this port, to
send in their proposals to me, in writing, sealed, on or before the
18th of January next, on board the 'Centurion' Victualler, at Hal-
let's Wharf, or at No- 217 Water Street.
" John Delafons, Agent Victualler*"
Followed soon after this: "By order of the Commandant, per-
mission is hereby granted to all persons coming from any part of the
country with live stock for the use of the markets, to kill and dis-
pose of the same, provided the stock is slaughtered at such places
as are set apart for that purpose. Hucksters, or any other persons
who may be detected in forestalling any provisions or vegetables
brought to this city for the supply of the markets, may depend on
being treated with the utmost rigour. John St. Claib, Sec'y.
"New York, 7th June, 1783."
The last " proclamation," made before the " evacuation," in relar
tion to markets, is noticed in the N. Y. Weekly Mercury, July 7th,
same year, as follows: "Whereas, the butchers who have stalls and
standings in the public markets, make common practice of throwing
the feet and other offals of their meat, either under their stalls, or
in the streets adjoining the same, whereby the inhabitants living
near the said markets are greatly incommoded and distressed by the
nuisance occasioned by such practices. The said butchers are tiiere-
fore hereby strictly forbidden from committing such practices in fu-
ture, and are hereby directed to keep their several stalls and stand-
ings clean and clear of all such fil^; and in case any of the said
* Rojal Guette.
Digitized by
Google
172 FLY MARKET.
butchers shall be convicted before the police of transgressing this
order, their license shall be forfeited, and the offenders be delivered
from having anj stall or standing in the said markets. By order
of the Commandant. John St. Clair, Secretary."
We turn back, and find from an examination of David Hunt, of
Westchester, (New York,) noticed in the New Hampshire Gazette,
December 24, 1776, in which he states, "That provisions in general
were scarce and dear, flour in particular, and all kinds of vegeta-
bles." " That they (Bangers) had collected {in Westchester County,
New York,) 1,200 sheep, 900 hogs, and several hundred cattle, and
drove them on Willet's Neck, and since gone off to New York."
These " Rangers" were organized in New York, principally from
the refugees, as a foraging party, under the command of the city's
former Governor, (Tryon,) who made himself quite extensively
known as a '^ Cattle Thief," and was one of the most efficient in sup-
plying the city with fresh provisions. The following will give the
reader some idea of his accomplishment in that line. The "same
paper," 1778, September 8, gives the news from " New Haven, August
26," which states that " Governor Tryon, with his foraging party,
it is said, are returning, having collected on Long Island upwards
of 9,000 cattle, sheep, &o" The same, March 9th, (1779,) next year,
says, ''The troops which lately went to the east end of Long Island,
we are informed, were foraging parties; they have since returned
towards New York, taking with them a considerable booty in cattle
of various kinds." March I6th: '' 8,000 men landed at Elizabeth
Town, under General Clinton. A large body of them, under Gen*
eralJones, immediately marched a few miles in the country, and had
collected about 40 head of cattle, when a detachment of Conti-
nental troops attacked them, retook the cattle, and drove the enemy
to their boats." The same paper notices a '' large body of the enemy,
commanded by Governor Tryon, advanced by the way of King's
Bridge as far as Horseneck. About two hundred head of cattle and
a number of sheep fell into their hands." May 18th: '* Last Saturday
a party of the enemy landed at Point Judith, and stole from there
about 900 sheep, and between 60 and 70 cattle." June Sth: '' Last
week about 1,500 of the enemy made an excursion to Scrallcnberg,
a small village in the neighborhood of Hackinsack, where they burnt
some houses, abused the inhabitants, and plundered their effects;
but by the timely exertions of the army, who collected speedily,
they were obliged to embark with precipitation, carrying but few
cattle and little of their plunder with them. We learn that this
party consisted chiefly of the Associated B^ugees, as they term them-
selves, but more properly Associated Thieves and Murderers. They
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 173
stabbed an old gentleman of about 90 years of age, named Talman,
in order to oblige him to confess where his money was. He died
shortly after of his wounds. They also killed Mr. Zabriskie, by
frequently stabbing him with their bayonets, and a negro girl, as she
was driving off some cattle." Jtdy \Zth: "A party of Tories from
New York landed at Monmouth, and marched with upwards of 50
men to Trenton Falls, undiscovered, where they surprised several
persons, and drove off a few sheep and horned cattle." Also,
"Thirty-two Refugees, commanded by Captain Bonnel, landed at
Greenwich, in Connecticut; they plundered the houses of nothing
bat arms and ammunition, the principal object being horned cattle,
of which they brought off thirty-eight, also four horses. The Ref-
ugees proceeded about six miles into the country, collecting cattle ;
and on their return, were attacked by a body of liebds, supposed to
consist of about 150, with two field-pieces, but got safe on board,
and arrived at Oyster Bay about noon with the cattle and prisoners."
The American soldiers were not behind, and would occasionally
return the compliment, even going so far within the opponents' lines
as to reseize this kind of stolen property. Says the Penn* Packet,
July 81, 1781, *' Last Saturday Colonel Sheldon's Dragoons went to
Frog's Neck and Morrisania, and brought off upwards of 200 horned
cattle, a considerable number of horses, hogs, sheep, Ac, said to be
Colonel De Lancy's property, which he had plundered from the in-
habitants, in order to fatten and sell to the New York butchers ; a
jHTofitable trade he has practiced a long time."
Again, we return to the " Royal Gazette," dated January 2, 1779,
where we find the loyal editor indulging his readers with a species
of burlesque on General Washington's proclamation in relation to
cattle. The editor states, '' Mr. Washington last winter issued a
proclamation, requiring the inhabitants of certain districts to fatten
their cattle, in order to subsist his army the ensuing campaign.
The British light infantry, having at least an equal interest in that
measure, one of them, in the name of the whole, composed the fol*
lowing exhortation to accompany and strengthen the Rebel Gen-
eral's requisition :
*' Great WuhiDgton, thoa migbty son of Mvs,
Thoa tboDd'riDg hero of the JMei wan I
Accept our thanks for all thy favors past }
Oar special tbaoks await thee for the last
Thy proclamation, timely to command
The Catiit to he fattened round the land,
Bespeaks thy generosity, and shows
A charity that reaches to thy foes I
And was this Order issned for oar sakes,
To treat us with Mpatt Betf^nA savory steaks?
Digitized by
Google
174 FLT MARKET.
Or WM it for thy JUhel train {otendedt
Give 'em the Hides— and let their Bhoes be mended ;
Tho' Bhoee are what they seldom wear of late ;
T would load their nimble feet with too mach weight!
And for the Beef— there needs no puifis abont it ;
In short, they most content themselves without it ;
Not that we mean to have them starv'd— why many!
The live utock in abundance, which they carry
Upon their baeka, prevents all fear of that
Then, honest Whige, make all your cattle fal ;
We, to reward you Ibr your care and pains,
Will visit soon your crowded stalls and plains ;
And for your pampered CatHe write, at large,
With bloody bayonets, a full discharge.
You know that we light bobs are tough and hardy,
And at a push youll never finds ns tardy ;
We have a stomach both for Beef and battle ;
So, honest Whigs, once more, feed well your Cattle ;
Obey your Chief ^9 command ; and then, 'tis plain.
We cannot want for Beef the next campaign I
And if we want for fighting, be it known,
. The fault, good neighbors, shall be all your own! McL k/'
It also sajs, on the following 5th of June, '^ On Monday last a
party of about forty Refugees embarked on board two sloops and
proceeded to Sandy Hook. On Tuesday evening they landed at
Shoal Harbor, and went to the houses of some notoriously violent
Rebels, whom they took and brought off with their cattle, &c., with-
out the loss of a man." " The party returned safe here on Wednes-
day, bringing with them 27 milch cows, 7 horses, 2 waggons loaded
with goods, Ac."
The manner of disposing of their cattle and other plunder was
by auction, which usually took place at the " Bull's Head in the
Bowery," then the grand depot for stolen goods. The same paper
which notices the above, also notices the sale of their plunder, as
follows : '' To be sold this day, at public auction, at the Bull's Head
Tavern, in the Bowery Lane, between XI and XII o'clock, several
good milch cows, one very fine ox, several horses, waggons, Ac,"
Then, on the 17th inst., were " to be sold, at the Bull's Head Tavern,
twenty-one elegant horses, which have been in the Rebel Dragoon
service; also, near thirty head 0/ horned cattle^ saddles and bridles,
some sheep, three waggons, Ac." One more sale we shall notice,
July 10th following, at the same place : " For ready cash only, a
number of horses and cows, &c. By Feegan and Deane."
" N. B. As a bell is not allowed, the Hibernia Flag will be hoist-
ed and a crytr at the door."
The " same paper," on the following 29th of November, notices
the "police regulations" of bread. "That on and after Thursday,
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 175
the 23d instant, all bread made of sweet flour of the first quality
most be baked into long loaves of two pounds weight each, and
stamped with the initials of the baker's name, and sold for sixteen
coppers each loaf; and all bread made of merchaatable flour of an
inferior quality must be baked into round loaves, weighing two
pounds and one^half each, stamped and sold same as the preceding/'
The prices of every article continued high, and the " dry summer
of 1782 they were very high. Beef then ranged from Is. 6d. to Ss.
6d. per lb. ; turkeys, half a guinea apiece ; potatoes sometimes sold at
18d. and a half a guinea per bushel ; butter, 8 and 10s. per lb., and the
price of oysters'was at the enormous rate of 16s. the 100." The poor
suffered much, especially the " Refugee poor," but were occasionally
assisted from the proceeds of a theatre, gotten up by the British
officers, many of whom were amateur performers ; and also from a lo^
tery, called in the royal paper of May 4th, 1782, the " New York
Poor Lottery, which positively commences drawing on Wednesday
next, the 8th instant, at Kirk's Tavern, near the new Bridewell, under
the inspection of Captain Linus King, Frederick Bhinelander and
Robert Dale, who are appointed by authority for that purpose."
But where were some of these "Old New Yorkers," when the
poor starving Rebels (as they were called) lay locked up in the many
loathsome prisons and prison-ships, where so many thousands were
suffering the martyrdom of freedom for seven long years? I ask,
where were the many who afterwards grasped at the only chance to
stay among those brave and successful patriots, that they might, with
their ill*gotten wealth, take advantage of the poverty of those suf-
fering patriots, and accumulate not only riches, but give to their
generations a title, or at least the appearance of nobility, and that
royal Hood which will never leave their veins until they shall wipe
that eternal stain from their records? Read in the N. H. Gazette,
April 26, 1777, where " The enemy at New York continues to treat
the American prisoners with great barbarity. Their allowance to
each man for 3 days is 1 lb. of beef, 3 worm-eaten, musty biscuits,
and a quart of salt water. The meat they are obliged to eat raw,
as they have not the smallest allowance of fuel. Owing to this more
than savage cruelty, the prisoners die fast, and in the small space
of three weeks (during the winter) no less than 1,700 brave men per-
ished." In the History of Litchfield we find, from Lt. Catlin's ac-
count, that they were ''confined with no sustenance for 48 hours;
for 11 days had only 2 days' allowance, pork offensive to the smell,
bread hard, mouldy and wormy, made of canail and dregs of flax-seed.
lie, with 225 men, were put on board the Glasgow at New York about
Dec. 25, to be carried to Connecticut for exchange. They were on
board 11 days, crowded between decks, and 28 died through ill-
Digitized by
Google
176 FLY MARKET.
usage." Then we find from the " grievances that the prisoners are
under/' ^' close confined in jail, without distinction of rank or char*
acter, amongst felons, without their friends being suffered to speak
to them, even through the grates. On the scanty allowance of 2 lbs.
hard biscuit, and 2 lbs. raw pork per man per week, without fuel to
dress it. Frequently supplied with water from a pump where all
kinds of filth is thrown that can render it obnoxious and unwhole-
some, when good water is as easily obtained. Denied the benefit
of a hospital, not allowed to send for medicine, nor even a doctor
permitted to visit them when in the greatest distress; married men
and others, who lay at the point of death, refused to have their wives
or relations admitted to see them, and for attempting it often beat from
the prison."* From the Life of Silas Talbot, there were " Two young
men, brothers, belonging to a rifle corps, were made prisoners, and
sent on board the ' Jersey.^ The elder took the fever, and in a few
days became delirious. One night (his end was fast approaching)
he became calm and sensible, and lamenting his hard fate, and the ab-
sence of his mother, begged for a little water. His brother with tears
entreated the guard to give him some, but in vain. The sick youth
was soon in his last struggles, when his brother offered the guard a
guinea for an inch of candle, only that he might see him die. Even
this was refused. ' Now,' said he, drying up his tears, ' if it please
God that I ever regain my liberty, I'll be a most bitter enemy r
He regained his liberty, rejoined the army, and when the war ended,
he had 8 large and 127 small notches on his rifle-stock."
" But sacb a traiD of endless woes abound,
So many mischiefs in these Hulks are found,
That on them all a poem to prolong
Would swell too high the horrors of our aong^
Hunger and thirst, to work our woe, combine^
And mouldy bread, and flesh of rotten swine ;
The mangled carcase, and the batter'd brain,
The Doctor's poison, and the Gaptain'sf cane,
The Soldier's mosqnet. and the Steward's debt,
The evening shackle, and the noon-day threat''
«<See, Captain, see! what rotten bones we pick—
" What kills the healthy cannot cure the sick ;
'* Not dogs on such by ChrUtian men are fed,
'* And see, good master, see what lousy bread 1"
" Tour meat or bread (this man of death replied)
«* 'Tie not my care to manage or provide—
<« But this, base Rebel doge, I'd have you know,
"That better than you merit we bestow."
" Here, generoue Britain, generous, as yon say,
*' To my parch'd tongue one cooling drop convey ;
"HeU has no mischief like a thirsty throat,
*' Nor one tormentor like your David SproatJ^t
• Oiiderdonk, L. L, p. 226. f Ganningham. % Freneau'a Poeon, p. 169.
Digitized by
Google
FLT MABKBT. 177
The term Bd)dj which had been so many years applied to the
Friends of Liberty by the royal editors, Riyington and Oaine, had
at last become not only disagreeable, bnt uncalled for, and appears to
have been the cause of the following threat: *' Provoked at the in-
solence of the insignificant Tory Printers in New York, who have
the impadence to use the term Bbbel in their papers, in contradic-
tion to the declaration of their King, in his late speech to the con-
trary, a number of determined Whios have agreed, that should that
term, or any other reproachful word, be further used after the first
of March next, in any of their papers, that printer, or printers, shall
have their ears cropt if found in any of the thirteen United States
of America after the war. This public intimation is given them to
prevent their further abuse of words, and to save their ears, should
any of them presume to tarry in that country, and amongst those
people who have been the objects of their repeated scurrility and
abuse,"*
The evacuation of the City of New York by the British troops
appears to have been ordered by the authorities in England to take
place. some five months previous to the 25th of November, 1783, if
the following extract of a letter is true. This letter is dated New
York, July 21, 1783, and reads: "This instant the Mercury packet
is arrived, and Admiral Digby has sent me an assurance that the
definite treaty is in his possession, and shall be sent to me presently.
The day appointed in England for the evacuation of New York was
this very 21st of July."t This no doubt was true, as Sir Guy Carle-
ton in the following month '' informed Congress that he has received
orders from England for the immediate evacuation of New York ;
but observes in his letter, that this movement will be considerably
retarded by the number of persons who mnst go with him in conse^
quence of the resolutions of the people throughout the United States,
forbidding the return of the Befagees."t In the month of April
previous, large numbers of Refugees began to leave; the press says,
" The number of inhabitants going to Nova Scotia in the present
fleet consists of upwards of nine thousand souls. "§ In the month
of June following, the A^utant-Oeneral, Oliver De Lancey, informs
''All persons who have returned their names to the Adjutant-General
for passage from this place are desired to apply to the gentleman
appointed by His Excellency, the Commander-in-Chief, to examine
their several claims, who will attend for that purpose at the City
Hall, from 11 o'clock until two every day, Sundays excepted." On
the 16th of August following: " Notice is hereby given to all loyal-
• Penim. Packet, March 4, 1783. t IMd., Jnly 24, 178S.
I Ibid^ AogoBt 23» 1788. ( N. Y. Qaceite, Ac, April 28, 1783.
Vol. L— 12
Digitized by
Google
178 FLY MARKET,
ists within the Knee, desfrons to emigrate from this place before the
Jinal evacuation, that they must give in their names, at the Adjatant*
General's ofiSce, on or before the 2l8t instant, and be ready to em*
bark by the end of this month." September the 12th following,
the Commissioners " give notice to all loyalists who have been rec^
ommended for passages to Nova Scotia, that ships are prepared to
receive them on board, and it is expected they will embark on or
before the twentieth instant; that if they neglect to embrace the
opportunity now offered, they must not expect to be conveyed after*
wards at the public expense." The two latter were signed " Abyah
Williard."
" The most authentic accounts agree {saya a correaponderU) that
there are yet between 12 and 15,000 Refugees, men, women, and
children, to be embarked at New York, Long Island, and Staten
Island for Nova Scotia, St. Johns, and Abasco ; among these are
many passengers of fortune and landed estates, who leave nothing
but terra firma behind them."* In the following month of October,
Rivington says : " Such persons discharged from the several depart-
ments of the armjt, and have already agreed to form a joint settle-
ment at Port Mattoon in Nova Scotia, and are desirous of proceed-
ing thither immediately, are requested to give in, without loss of
time, a return of themselves and families to the heads of their re-
spective departments, in order that a proper vessel may be obtained
for the purpose of conveying them and their baggage. They will
hold themselves in readiness to embark in eight days from the date
hereof. Refugees and discharged soldiers, who have been admitted
to join this settlement, are required to give in their names, if de-
sirous of going at present, to Mr. Hugh, next door to the Bull's
Head in the Bowery. By order of the Managers."
The time was drawing near when the last of the Refugees and
other British subjects and soldiers were about departing our shores.
One Tory "officer-holder," however, in his eagerness to steal and
destroy public property, has left his name behind, to be again brought
to light in the following transaction : " Last Friday evening, (four
dayahfore the evacuation J Mr. Ephraim Smith, heretofore Inspector
of Markets, assisted by a party of soldiers, determined that the
Damned Rebels, as that worthy character is pleased to term them,
should not enjoy so small a convenience when the insolence of his
office should be no more, cut down and carried to his house the Bell
OF THE Fly Market, with threats of prostrating the whole of the
erections there. But it is with great pleasure we inform the public
that the Commandant, having been made acquainted with the trana-
* Penna. Packet, September 4, 1783.
Digitized by
Google
PLY MARKET. I79
action by a gentleman who happened accidentally to be present, he
not only severely reprimanded Mr. Smith for his conduct, bnt Mr«
Smith, by his order, will have the mortification of replacing the beU
in its old situation. (Le moReurss, I^hraim"*)
All the market-houses which were left standing were found in a
minons condition, having had no additions or repairs during the
occupancy of the city by the British troops. "Above £100 were
spent on these market-houses alone."t
The prices of provisions, just previous to the evacuation, are thus
noticed in Rivington's paper, (October 22d:) "As sold yesterday in
the public markets in this city. Beef from 6d. to 15d. per lb. ; mut-
ton, from 7d. to Is. Id. per lb. ; lamb, lOd. ; veal from Is. to Is. 6d.
per lb.; fowls from 48. to 4s. 6d. per pair; turkeys from 6s., weigh-
ing 8 lbs. ; potatoes, 3s. 6d. per bushel ; Indian meal, 16s. per cwt. ;
and butter, 2b. 6d. per lb." Four days after the evacuation of the
city, the prices showed another decreasing change, in the same royal
editor's paper; but that paper had undergone a change in its name,
and appeared with the title of " Btvington^a New York Oazetfe and
Universal Advertiser" Its royalty, as also its editors, had ceased
with the departure of the British troops, who also had taken with
them the loyalty of a great many persons, and left their royal bodies
behind to propagate and spread discord and disunion, if it had then
been possible. Many thousands, however, who were strictly con-
scientious and honestly loyal, left immediately after finding the royal
power here had to succumb.
A very few of the royal butchers remained after the evacuation ;
but those who belonged to the markets previous to the war, and re-
mained in the city through and after the war, by continuing under
various pleas, were often subjected to insult and mortification in be-
ing pointed out as a tory butcher, with other more unpleasant names.
For the first few months after the patriots had regained the city,
very little business was done, as there was but little to do with.
The city and the country round about were almost stripped of all
kinds of provisions to supply the departing troops and former citizens.
In fact, the whole market fees of the city, as appears from an ac-
count of Alderman Van Gelder, the collector, for nine days» ("from
December 9th to the 18th, 1783,") were but £14 4s. 5d.
The poor returning troops and citizens were almost naked and
moneyless, but the pleasure of once more beholding their homes and
firesides instilled into them a new life; while there were among the
poor farmers some who were unable to rise again, being obliged to
mortgage their farms to obtain the necessary stock and farming im-
• Peima. Ptekel, November 25, 1783. f Oiij Records,
Digitized by
Google
180 FLT HARKBT.
plements to cultivate the recovered barren acres, with the hope that
a few years would enable them to live as before. The long war had
so exhausted the country, that it was many years in recovering suf-
ficiently to relieve its liberators, and, of course, many were impov-
erished. In the year 1786 we find noticed, ''As an instance of the
deplorable situation of New Jersey for want of cash, a correspond-
ent assures us that he, last week, counted posted up over the mantle
in a tavern no less than sixteen real estates taken by execution, and
advertised by the Sheriff of Morris County for sale."*
How much doiveaU owe these suffering liberators for our freedom
and independence! And if we cannot repay them in any other way,
we can and mu8t watch, guard, and batik if necessary, and also in-
struct our children to do the same, that the Union may be preserved
as they have left it to us.
This subject has led me astray, although I feel that the sufferings
in obtaining our liberties should be engrafted in our every-day
thoughts, conversations, books, schools ; in fact, in our very dreams,
so that we shall be prepared to combat the enemy in any form he
may assume. Beware, however, of the demagogue or the smooth-
tongued politician, as this subject is their forte, which reaches quickest
the soul of the patriot, and warily leads him on, to be at last entrap*
ped into their fatal clutches, and robbed of their manhood. Other
pens than mine have, and will spread again, pages of this history,
which will have more influence than can be found on these, and I
can safely resume the history of this market again.
On the 22d of April, 1784, " The neighborhood and butchers at
the Fly Market were desirous of covering the slip at the lower end
of the said market, and extending the said market over the slip to
the bridge across the same, to make room for the country people,"
which then again began to crowd this market. The Board gave
their consent on the 12th of May following to extend to the bridge
near the ferry stairs, and " That the market thus extended be cov-
ered in the same manner as the one it joins on."
A countryman, about two years after, in this market, displayed a
remarkable feat or feast, which is noticed in the N. Y. Gazette,
29th May, 1786: "Yesterday, a countryman in the Ply Market, for
a trifling wager, e^X fifty boiled eggs, shells and all I He performed
the task in about fifteen minutes, being elevated on a butcher's block
during the operation."
A feast at the best hotels (or rather taverns and inns) was not
BO expeusive at that period as the present, as the following charges
will show : "Breakfast, two shillings ; dinner, two shillings and nine*
pence; supper, two shillings; cut of beef, one shilling; cut of ham,
^ Independent Joamftl, Haroh 4.
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. Igl
OBe Bhilling and two-pence; do. of beef-steaks, one shilling and six-
pence ; chicken, one shilling and nine-pence ; oysters from 6d. to 2s.,
as called for. Single bed, one shilling; horse, one night at hay,
two shillings ; double do., one shilling and sixpence ; oats per quart,
tiiree-pence; bating at hay, sixpence. Madeira, 8s.; Champagne,
10s. i claret, 8s. ; Sherry, 6s. ; port, 6s. ; porter, 3s. ; beer. Is. ; cyder,
8d. per bottle; sangaree, (per bowl,) 4s. ; punch, 28. ; toddy, Is. 2d. ;
grog. Is. ; spirits, (per gill,) 6d. ; brandy, 8d. ; gin, 8d.," Ac*
** Ebaracu8,'^ a very great traveler, also gives us a bill of fare of
the several States the next year ; he says: "As I have travelled thro'
all the States, I will furnish the BtU of Fare: for New Hampshire^
beef and Indian dumplings. Massachusetts, cod and haydock, {had-
dock.) Rhode Island, tontog (Uach^/ish) with plain butter, not with
aoy or ketchup — they are quintessences and extracts. Connecticut,
pork and molasses. New York, oysters and lobsters. (New) Jersey,
a Burlington ham and Newark cyder. PhUaddphia, soft sheeps-
head. Delaware does not deserve a dish; they must subsist as
Lazarus did — upon the crumbs. Maryland, a canvass-back duck,
roasted by a stop-watch. Virginia, fried chickens and hominy, with
New England rum. North Carolina, corn-fed pork and peach
brandy. South Carolina, a pye of rice-birds and a roast turkey-
buzzard. These vain people will have two dishes if their creditors
have none. Georgia, a poor-man's pudding with a glass of water. "t
There is no doubt some truth in the general character of the
living in the several States as noticed above ; but the reader will
conclude that the following description of the living in the States
is a more reasonable one: "Notwithstanding the general charge of
itfl being hard to live in America, there is not at this time a civilized
country on the face of the earth in which a poor man may live with
00 much ease as in the United States. Every traveler knows with
what diligence farmers and mechanics, in foreign countries, are
obliged to labor through the year. In the winter the work begins
before day, and in summer it continues thro' the day. They have
little respite or time for spending money. If one of them is accost-
ed, he seldom stops to answer — ^his work must go on. This is not
the case with us, nor have we any example of what Europeans call
industry. The citizens of America may live with half of the labor
which would support them in France, England, or Germany. Is he
candid or honest who complains of such a country, or says that his
troubles are occasioned by the necessary difficulty of living, by the
difficulty of paying taxes, or of providing food and raiment, or by any
other course tiian his vices, his idleness and dissipation?"^
• N. T. Ptoekei, Marcli 12, n8«. t DtOj Advertiwr, May 16, 1787.
% N. T. Packet, Jane 26, 1787.
Digitized by
Google
182 ^^^ MARKET.
There were, however, complaints about some of the currency at
this period, and more particularly the copper coin.
The ferrymen who own the boats which ply between this Market
Slip and Brooklyn apply to the Board for relief, and state they
" have for this some time past taken a quantity of coppers for fer-
riage, &c., at the rate of twenty to a shilling, which is now lying
on their hands, and must of course be a very great loss in Uieir
present depreciation, and involve your petitioners into many embar-
rassments. We therefore beg your Hon. Body to consider our situ-
ation, and to receive them on the same conditions from the Ist to
the 20th of July, (1787,) and your petitioners will be in part re-
leased of the loss in the ' copper coin.' They also beg leave that
your Hon. Body will assist them with advice in respect to those
coppers which are now in circulation, as the public in general,
which uses the ferry, very seldom presents any other money to pay
their passage, and which we have received since your Hon. Body
was pleased to recommend their passing dX/oriy-eighi to a shilling;
but as there still arises great inconvenience in taking them even at
that rate, and still likely to be attended with some additional loss,
unless received for rent by your Hon. Body, we pray your counsel
in the premises, Ac.'* Henrt Dawson, Gilbert Y. Mater, and
Jacob Wilkins, Jun'r.
The bakers also follow with another on the same subject, on the
8th of June, who state, '' That the greatest part of the bread which
the petitioners have sold for some time past has been paid for in
' coppers ' and Jersey money ; that they cannot purchase flour with
the moneys they have so received, and are daily obliged to receive;
neither will the merchants receive these moneys in payment from
them for flour they have already purchased. < That in this embar*
rassed situation, they cannot carry on their business without involv-
ing themselves in debt."
In the month of June of the next year, a petition, signed by
above forty inhabitants, praying "that the south part of the market
now called the Fish Market may be covered, and appropriated
solely to the use of the country farmers; that the slip may bellied
up half of the width of Burnet Street, and a new fish market erect-
ed over the water in the middle of the slip." A committee re-
ported, on the 26th of the same month, in favor of the above, and
the "additional market-house across the slip, and that proper
blocks or wings be laid in the slip, to extend sixty-four feet beyond
the south side of Frqnt Street, for the purpose of supporting a
market, which may be erected at the expense of the neighborhood.'^
It may not be uninteresting to know how the stands were aiv
Digitized by
Google
I^LT MARKET. Ig3
ranged in the first and second markets, after the third or fish mar-
ket was finished. This regulation was adopted by the Board on
the 31st December following. In the first or upper market-house,
beginning at Queen (Pearl) Street: "One stall at the head of the
market, and eighteen on the sides," (37 stands.) "That every
butcher's stall be no more than eight feet long, and three feet, six
inches broad, and that no part thereof extend any further into the
market ; that the back of each stall be placed to range with the
inner side of the market-posts, and eleven feet passage-way through
the centre.'^ The whole length is represented as being 224 feet,
and about 20 feet wide. The same arrangement was made with the
six butcher stalls in the next or middle market-house.
The rapid growth around, and the increased business in this mai^
ket^ appeared to outstrip all the others ; and notwithstanding the
" late enlargement, it is still insufficient for the accommodation of
the citizens." The neighboring inhabitants and owners of prop-
erty were always quite willing to subscribe certain amounts to fui^
ther increase its success; but we find some—just such, or whom
knowledge has made worse, now-a-days — exceedingly willing to
subscribe, but exceedingly t^nwilling to pay over. But I must go
back to this less corrupt age, and speak of a reported list of per-
sons on the 17th July, 1789, "who had subscribed (£54!) to the
late addition to the Fly Market, and either neglected or refased to
pay;" when suits were ordered to be commenced against them.
The law for collecting the public market fees was altered on the
4th of March, 1790; weekly sums were to be collected from all the
butchers who occupied stands. In this market, the sum of £16 9s.
was the stated weekly sum, and the lowest sum for any stall " be
four shillings." This law was, however, repealed before it was a
month old, as we find, on the 26th of the same month, it changed
to the old system of paying: " For the four quarters of beef, 2s. ;
of mutton, lamb, and veal, 4d. ; and of fresh pork, 6d., in lieu of all
other market fees."
Towards the close of the year, quite a compliment was paid to
the Collectors, by the "Board," (on the 24th December,) who state,
" That from the diligence of James Culbertson and Binier Skaats,
Collectors of the market fees, considerable more moneys have been
collected than usual. Therefore ordered, that Mr. Culbertson be
allowed £20, and Mr. Skaats £7, in addition to their usual allow-
ance to the first of January next; and that from that day they be
allowed a commission of ten per cent, on the moneys by them re-
spectively collected." What a pity we had not a few Culbertsons
and Skaatses now-a-days to handle the public moneys, as well as to
Digitized by
Google
184 FI-Y MARKET.
fill many of the piiblic offices I And what a satisfaction to the
public, if the whole city were better goyemed, on Kme-MLf (or even
less) the expense 1 Such kind of men would build or rebuild our City
Halls, our (Tompkins) marke^houses, clean our streets, and, in season,
attend to all other necessary matters which might lay suffering, and
wanted by the people. Their consciences, as well as their oaJths^
would not allow them to leave their desks or duties, during business
hours, (which number should count as many as of those of the me-
chanics and other workmen,) to while away the people's time in
Tom's, or Dick's, or Harry's place, or traveling the road with a tnmr
out of electric speed, or to attend a political convention. We all
know that there are those of that class who live among us, but of
course they are not the flexible tools that this mmority of well-or-
ganized political workmen want; their metal is not tempered in the
modern political furnace to suit their purposes: in fact, they are
only suitable for the mass, who appear to have no choice, or, at
least, who do not use it.
One of these collectors, (James Oulbertson,) in making his regular
returns in the month of April, 1792, also makes a return of fines
collected from nearly fifty delinquents, to the amount of X16 15 0*
Seventeen of these were for light butter; nine for foreetaUing; eight
for hlotaing meat; two for Uowing turkey a; the others for exposing
meat by an agent, and goods contrary to law. Their fines were gen-
erally/ve shiUings, and a few jCI, which was immediately paid after
the decision was made, or the Bridewell key was turned upon them*
In the month of May, 1790, the *' inhabitants around this market-
place praying aid to erect an arched walk across the kennel (sewer)
at the end of the market in Queen Street," and also, " that the stall
of Henry Astor, butcher, be removed to the lower market," which
was granted. This stall of Astor's stood across the head of the u{h
per market, and no doubt tended to block up the entrance gangway,
which caused its removal.
An anecdote was told to me by an old drover, several years ago,
of this thrifty and hard-working man. When he commenced busi-
ness here, he b^an in a small way ; his purchases were made at the
Bull's Head, (which at that time took up the grounds where now
stands the old Bowery Theatre;) here he selected his smaU stock, of
which he bought but few at a time, placed them in his wheelbarrow,
and wheeled them home; then, with the assistance of his wife, be
dressed and prepared them for market. Hours before daylight, the
next morning, his stock in trade was placed in the same carriage,
when he convoyed it to the Fly Market; and he became one of the
most wealtiiy of our butchers.
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET. 185
He came to this country during the Reroltition with the British
troope; bat, after a short period, he managed to escape their ser^
vice, and entered into that of the "Art and mystery of Butchering;"
when he became known and continued with the name of Ashdoor.
In 1788, 11th of April, he advertises his horse as— "Stolen from the
subscriber, on the night of the 10th instant, firom the door of Israel
Seaman's, Rosevdt Street, a dark-brown horse, about fifteen hands
high, a small star in his forehead, the hair worn off his breast by a
collar; trots and carries well; saddle and double curb bridle on
the horse when stolen." Three guineas reward for the horse, sad-
dle, and bridle. "For the thief, horse, saddle, and bridle, ten
guineas will be paid by Henry Ashdoor/'
After pecux was declared he sought citizenship, and was natural-
ized under the act passed May 4th, 1784 ; soon after which he began
to thrive, and when his brother John Jacob, the millionaire, arrived
here, the frugal butcher Henry assisted him with his first stock in
trade: a basket of trinkets ^ which he sold and traded with those who
brought furs and skins on board of sloops and other vessels which
lay around the docks ; and these were the rough foundation-stones
that were built upon, and now, no doubt, this structure of wealth
stands among the highest.
But their lives are only an edition of many of the " Old Families,"
whose posterity are now enjoying the fruits of Ihe labor of their
self-denying and hard-working forefathers B,nd/oremothe^s; who, if
they oould rise up from their graves — Rip Van Winkle like — they
would gaze horror stricken on the idleness, extravagance, and dissi-
pation of their /o^ generations. And these/c»^ generations should
be forced to look back into the ages past and see their ancient sires,
<or Gcvemors, as they are now usually termed,) with their old
greasy leather breeches — the only pair ever owned by the wearer — the
thick, coarse woolen stockings, with the heels run and wdl darned ;
the cowhide boots, with two patches in front and one behind; the
coarse flaxen shirt, which thread had been spun on a spinning-wheel
for a resting speU on a winter's evening; and a hat, or part of one,
which twenty years before was said to have been sold for a " cocked
hat," and the second one ever owned by the wearer ; and then again,
their old-fashioned great-grand dames, with linsey woolsey short
gowns and petticoats, the wool of which had been prepared by their
own useful hands; their hair without a comb, but plainly arranged
under a close-fitting cap; and their feet incased in a pair of shoes,
so heavy and substantial, that their noise and healthfblness would
frighten a modem doctor out of his senses, as well as deprive him
of his annual income. In the cZ^generations that have followed
Digitized by
Google
186 FI'^ MARKET.
those " good old times" which I have endeavored to illustrate, many
no doubt will exclaim against this picture of their ancestors as be-
ing a shocking satire upon themselves, with their thin shoes and
thinner constitutions; and if they did not faint away outright, they
would say that history was a tell-tale, and ought not to be counte-
nanced in this enlightened and fast age.
We follow on with a petition dated 20th of July following, from
several farmers and gardeners, whose names will be recognized
among many of the worthy families of the present generation.
They complain that they were not allowed to place themselves
among the farmers of Long Island and other parts of the country in
the markets, and wish that proper places may be set apart for the
petitioners, where they may be free from the inconveniences they
have hitherto experienced. Signed by
Henry Brevoort, Henry Spingler, Henry Low,
Isaac Yarian, Samuel Van Orden, Lawrence Ulshofer,
Thomas Rose, Bichard Amos, Yellis Mandeville,
Nicholas Romaine, George Campbell, Gilbert Goutant,
William Graham, John Samler, Samuel Hallett,
David Williamson, John Amos, &c.
Then complaints were made of the great interruption and noise
of carts, carriages, Ac, in market hours. The Board, on the fol-
lowing 20th of August, ** Ordered the Deputy Clerk, Mr. Culbert*
son, to place chains across Front Street, thirty feet west of the side
or range of the street leading along to the river ; and in December,
1799, chains were ordered on both sides across Water Street."
In the month of January, 1792, "A terrible fire broke out in a
frame house in Front Street, near the Fly Market, which in two
hours entirely consumed 7 houses, and damaged a number of others
before it was extinguished. The Fly Market was on fire several
times, and the shipping at Taylor's and Brownjohn's Wharves were
obliged to haul into the stream. The heat was so great that several
panes of the windows on the opposite side of the street were melted.''
There was a scarcity of neat cattle several years after peace had
been declared, but since 1788 they increased very fast. Long Island
and the lower counties of the State of New York almost wholly sup-
plied the city's wants. Connecticut exported a large number in '89
and in '90: " there were exported (in 1790) 7,072 horses, cattle, and
mules, it being 394 more than was shipped the preceding year from
the district of New London."* The " Complaint of a Queen's County
Farmer" gives us some ideas of the diflSculties of the time in getting
market price for his cattle. He says : ** It takes about six or seven
• N. Y. Journal, Ac., Jauaary 24, 1791.
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 187
years for a farmer to raise a pair of excellent well-grown oxen and
make them fat enough for beef of the first quality ; he hopes, when
he has got them fit for the knife, some batcher will come along and
purchase his cattle at their value ; instead of this, he finds the coun-
try is infested by a set of underling drovers, or rather butcher agents,
who fabricate a thousand lies about the glut of the markets, and the
cheapness of meat ; and who, after haggling and teasing him a long
time about the price, worry the poor farmer at last into a bargain,
and buy his beef for twenty per cent, less than the current rate of the
market The agent thus adds to the prime cost as much as he thinks
proper, and forwards them to the butcher at the new price. In ad-
dition to this, he gets his purchase fee, and laughs in his sleeve at
the thought of having cheated both the farmer and the butcher/'*
The animals, being purchased, were driven to the ferry, then they
were put on board of a low flat scow with sprit-sail ; and if in cross-
ing they were caught in a stiff breeze, over they went, often drown-
ing several persons and animals too. '*0n Friday last (17th Dec.,
1795.) one of the Brooklyn ferry-boats was overset in passing the
East River; one man and seven fat oxen were drowned.^t
These occurrences were quite common, and frequently attended
with great loss of life and property, on both the North and East
Bivers. The sail ferry-boats were considered very unsafe, especial-
ly on a windy day, or from floating ice, when but few persons would
trust their horses, carriages, cattle, or other property on them ; pre-
ferring to wait a day or two for calm weather. The oar-barges,
for foot-passengers, were thought more safe, and were more regular
in crossing* They, however, were a great annoyance to travelers
and business men, and continued so until team or hcrse and steam
boats were introduced. But no doubt a few incidents, since the
Revolution, will be more acceptable to the general reader.
In the year 1784, on a *' Tuesday afternoon, (January 15th J as a
ferry-boat was coming from Powles Hook widi passengers for this
city, it unfortunately got between two cakes of ice, which so dam-
aged it, that when they separated, it soon after sunk, leaving the
people in the water, to struggle for life. A cake of ice close at
hand afforded them a temporary relief. The North River eddy,
setting in around the Battery, carried them into the East River,
where, getting into the ebb-tide, they were carried out into the Bay.
All the slips being full of ice, it was with difficulty that two or
three small boats were got out to attempt their relief; but the large
fields of ice at that moment in motion rendered every effort of the
boatmen fruitless, and cut off every prospect of deliverance from
• S. Y. Joamal tod P. B., March 10, 1792. t Ibid., December 22, 1795.
Digitized by
Google
188 FLY MARKET.
their miserable, anxious situation, but by death — ^till the river, being
somewhat free firom ice, a boat, manned with hardy soldiers, went
in pursuit of them, braving every danger, and persevering through
every difficulty. To the inexpressible joy, though contrary to the
expectation of the town, they returned just at dark, (having been
almost to the Narrows,) and rescued from the jaws of death seven
of the unfortunate people. The other, a negro man, perished with
cold. Among the number saved are Mr. Buchanan, of Morristown ;
Mr. Laboyteaux and Mr. Thomson, of this city ; and we are happy
to inform the public that they are doing very well. To the specta-
tors the sight was truly distressing, to behold our fellow-creatures
upon the verge of death, invoking our assistance in vain, and expe-
riencing the most torturing anxiety of mind, between the hopes of
b^ng saved and the dread of entering the inscrutable state of eter-
nity."* Then — "On Saturday afternoon last, when a ferry-boat
passing over from Brooklyn to this city was suddenly overset This
accident is said to have been occasioned by the shifting of one of
the horses, of which there were five on board ; which so startled the
rest, that they all removed to one side, when the boat immediately
filled. The passengers, viz., Mr. Thome, Mr. Stackhouse, and a
servan^man, together with two ferrymen, saved themselves by swim-
ming till they were picked up, when almost exhausted, by several
boats from the shore and the different vessels in the harbor.^'t
Following this, we find — "On Wednesday last, about one o'clock, as
a ferry-boat was attempting to cross over the North River to
Powles Hook, she was overset by a sudden gust of wind at no
great distance from the shore, and notwithstanding the utmost ex-
ertions of several who immediately set out to their assistance, to
the evident danger of their own lives, three passengers, namely, a
Mr. Elias Gowenhouse, of Allantown, a Mr. Young, driver of one
of the Philadelphia stages, and a negro boy, servant to Mr. Van
Voorst, near Powles Hook, were unfortunately drowned. An old
gentleman and the two ferrymen continued to hold fast by the
ropes till they were picked up.'^t Another more "melancholy acci-
dent happened,^' {April 3, 1798.) " Yesterday, about 12 o'clock, one
of the large ferry-boats which plies between (the old ferry stairs,
Fly Market,) this city and Brooklyn, across the East River, was
unhappily sunk in a gust of wind. There were eight men in the
boat; five of them were boatmen, and three passengers ; all of whom
were drowned, except one of the boatmen."§
The business of carrying neat cattle on the ferry-boats was at
^ Penna. Packet, JaQouy 22. t Independent Journal
. t Ibi^, November a § K. Y. Journal, Ac.
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. ]g9
times objectionable to the passengers; sometimes liaving to wait
after the regular periods for starting, when taking them off or on,
and also when discharging them at the ferry landings, at this and
the Catharine Markets, among the crowds, was also a cause of
complaint. So, on the 30th of September, 1793, '' it was ordered
that no cattle be landed at any place in this city to the westward
of CoL Rutgers,'' that being much nearer the public slaughter-house,
than at Corlaers Hook.
Other complaints were also made to the ferry-master, which
sometimes came from a belated passenger, of the want of prompt-
ness ; another, of the boatmen, whom they dreaded to sail across
with, considering their knowledge of navigation, when either in
sailing trim, or half-seas over, was of the smallest possible descrip-
tion. The imagination would lead one to think of the many wran-
gles that occasionally took place at the ferry landings and on board
of the boats ; one of which grew into a matter of much import-
ance, and worthy of notice, took place in the year 1795.
It appears that Alderman Furman " came to the ferry stairs on
the Brooklyn side and wanted to cross" before Ae usual time.
Unpleasant words passed between him and two of the ferrymen,
named Timothy Crady and Thomas Burk, and when Mr. Hicks, the
Conductor of the Ferry, came down to order the boat off, the Al-
derman complained to him that these two men had abused him ; on
which Mr. Hicks said to the Alderman, that it was the rule to have
civil treatment given to all the passengers, or words to that effect.
On the passage across, the Alderman being not yet satisfied, gave
the men a reprimand, which again brought forth hard words, and
finally a threat from the Alderman that he would commit them to
prison. Timothy Grady said '' he would put his boat-hook through
any man that would touch him;" so says the Alderman, in his tes-
timony before what was then known as the " Bridewell Court."*
When they reached the ferry stairs at the Fly Market, the Aiders
man ordered the Clerk of the Market (Mr. Cutbertson^ an officer J
to arrest them and take them to jail. The manner of their being
taken to the jail is described by John Bennet, a Long Island far-
mer, attending this market, in a deposition, that " he saw Timothy
Crady and Thomas Burk in the custody of Mr. Culbertson, on their
way to the Bridewell ; and that Alderman Furman did punch them
in the back with his cane, saying * Move on, you rascals — ni fix
you;' and that he punched the said Burk and Crady with so much
violence, that they frequently would yield to the force of his cane."
They were, after a time, brought up before this Bridewell Court,
* N. T. Joamal, Ac., December 26, 1795.
Digitized by
Google
190 PLT MARKET.
composed of Mayor Varick, Aldermen Beekman, Van Tayl, and
Lenox, usually held at the Common Jail in the Park, when the
testimony of Alderman Wurman was taken; no other was offer*
ed against the prisoners. On their behalf, Jacob Hicks stated,
''That he had known Thomas Burk as a ferryman these eighteen
months, during which time he sustained the character of a good
citizen and a civil man." However, in the end the Court sen-
tenced, " That you, Timothy Crady, receive, to-morrow morning,
twenty lashes on your bare back, to impress on your mind that you
are not to insult men in oflSce ; suffer two months' imprisonment in
Bridewell, at hard labor. And that you, Thomas Burk, be impris-
oned two months in Bridewell, at hard labor, excused from whip-
ping, being interceded for by Alderman Furman."
Other testimony taken before the Grand Jury shows " they were
imprisoned on the 10th of November, and were confined twelve
days before being brought to trial." The judgment and sentence
which followed is reviewed by some of the "Press" in communica-
tions, cards, and editorials ; the conclusions of which are not at all
flattering to this " Court," particularly to Mayor Varick and Alder-
man Lenox, the latter being severely handled.
The affair created no little excitement; and several citizens,
(among whom were Mr. William Kettletas, the Messrs. Hicks, and
others, who witnessed the transaction and thought these ferrymen
had been improperly and unjustly punished,) finding they could not
obtain their liberation or justice, appealed through petitions to the
Legislature to impeach this "Bridewell Court." The case was
brought before the House, who appointed a committee to investi-
gate it ; they after a time reported, and, after a severe struggle, the
House ^'Besdvedy That the testimony produced in support of the
charges against Richard Yarick, &c., does not furnish sufficient
ground for impeachment; acquits them, or either of them." This
conclusion was quite unsatisfactory, and more especially to Mr.
Kettletas, who wrote several communications, showing the case
more fully, and somewhat reflecting on the committee.
These were noticed by the " House," who ordered the arrest of
Mr. Kettletas; which is shown in the proceedings, March 3, 1796.
The Sergeant-of-Arms, being attended with William Kettletas in his
custody, "was set to the bar of this House, and was questioned if he
was the author of a certain publication? To which he said : ^ lam
the author y and did direct the eame to be printedJ He was ordered
into the custody of the Sergeantrof-Arms. A resolution was passed
pronouncing him ' guilty of a misdemeanor and contempt of the an-
thority of this House.' That he ' be brought to the bar of this
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 191
I
Bonse, and upon his asking pardon of the House for his offence, and
paying the Sergeant's fees, he be discharged from custody.' He
was brought before them again, when he answered: ^ lam not con-^
sciaua cf having committed any offenoCj and there/ore I wHl not ask
the pardon of this HouaeJ He then was delivered to the keeper of
the goal of the City and County of New York, and confined in the
same prison with the two ferrymen. "
From this prison he addresses a note to the editor of the New
York Journal, which is found in that paper, dated April 1, 1796,
as follows:
'*Mr. &reenleaf— It is with the deepest regret I announce to my
fellow*citizens a confirmation of the late melancholy report of the
death of the unfortunate Timothy Crady. Whether his death was
in consequence of the 25 unjust stripes he received by order of the
' Bridewell Court,' or not, is reserved for the decision of that tribunal,
before whom it will be my duty, as well as e^ry other citizen's, to
submit this solemn question. The confirmation of his death was
made known to me, on the 28th instant, by Thomas Burk, the sur-
viving fellow-sufferer, who has returned to his former place of resi-
dence at Brooklyn. Which fact I immediately communicated to
William Slo, the Bridewell master, from whose custody, it has been
said, the said Burk escaped before the sentence of the * Bridewell
Court' was executed. Mr. Slo returned me for answer, that he
should not trouble himself about the said Burk, except he came in
his way. This fact, relative to the conduct of Mr. Slo, I think
proper to make public, that the * Bridewell Court' may take such
steps to support the law as the law expressly enjoins."
Mr. Eettletas was confined in prison until the Legislature ad-
journed ; he was then by a habeas corpus liberated on the 12th of
April. The ''Journal^^ says: *'0n this occasion a number of citi-
sens attended at the prison, and forced him into a phaeton, in which
they paraded him in triumph.
''On the phaeton were displayed the American and French flags,
the Cap of Liberty, supported by Mr. Kettletas, and a painted rep-
resentation of a man whipped at the whipping-post, after the Bride-
well mode, with a scroll in these words over the head of the whip-
per: * What! you rascal, insult your superiors!^ The phaeton was
drawn by citizens through the principal streets in the city, drums
beating, with a numerous body of attendants, to the Tontine ; from
thence up Wall Street into Broadway, down by the Government
House, and back to Hunter's Hotel, where Mr. Kettletas made a
short speech to the people in nearly the following words: 'Feffoir-
cUistens — I thank you for the respect which you have this day paid
Digitized by
Google
192 FLY IfARKBT.
me; in a particular manner for the honor of bearing the Standard
of Liberty, which you have placed in my hands. Your decontm,
combined with all jonr insignias, evidence to me yonr attachment
to the Constitution and the laws of your country ; they are the beet
supporters of liberty, and I am sure you revere them.' He was then
set down at his own door, and the company, after giving three (Jieers^
retired in the utmost order, enraptured with the virtues of their fel-
low-citizen, who had endured nearyfw wedu' imprisonment, by what
has been called an arbitrary edict J^
Mr. Kettletas was not yet satisfied that justice had been done to
Bnrk, so he brings a suit '*for cruelty and iqjustioe" against this
" Bridewell Oourt,'' for Thomas Burk, and in the end recovered, or
rather it was settled, by paying Burk 500 dollars.*
Another melancholy accident, occurring through the inefiBciency
of the ferrymen, is noticed in a " communication,'' about four years
after, which reads: '' Qaving seen several erroneous accounts in the
papers respecting the upsetting of the ferry-boat at Fly Market,
and being myself on board at the time, will thank you to publish the
following: We started from Fly Market Ferry Stairs with little
wind, but there was a prospect that the wind would blow very fresh,
so that the passengers desired the boatmen to brail up the sail, which
they would not comply with. Some of the passengers wished and
talked of taking charge of the boat themselves. We considered the
boatmen incapable of conducting the boat, owing to intoxuxUion :
however, we concluded that no man would be employed in that busi*
ness unless they were capable of the task ; but unfortunately we suf-
fered them to proceed. The first gust that came upset us, and sev-
eral of the passengers were immediately lost. As near as I can
recollect, there was in the boat about twelve persons— one woman
and five men were immediately drowned — ^six of us were saved after
having been upset, nearly one hour and an half in the water. One,
after the storm was over, being spent, could no longer hold fast, but
let go and was drowned. There were three horses and a chair (a
two-wheekd carriage on leather springs) on board."t
Then we have a communication from an '* Enquirer/' in the month
of January, 1804, who says: "On Wednesday morning, I had occa*
sion to cross from the Powles Hook Ferry Stairs, New York, to the
Jersey side. On my arrival at the boat, I found the wind to blow
quite fresh ; upon which I asked the ferry-master if the boatmen had
not better take a reef in their sails? He answered me, no ; and the
mvlaJtto captain also replied, there was no danger ; he would carry
us across safely. Though after these answers, I did not feel myself
• N. T. Joonud, Ac, Fcliraarj S, 1797. f American Citisen, lUj 27, ISOL
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET. 193
free from apprehension of danger, I agreed with the rest to take my
passage, with a promise to myself, that if there should be an increase
of wind, I would endeavor to persuade our captain to take in sail.
I soon found my fears were not unfounded, as at every flaw the pit-
tiauger went gunnel under. I then expressed my wish that they
would either reef the sails or take in one — this was also answered by
a cry on the part of our ooptotfi, There is no danger. Soon after a
flaw took us, and one or two afterwards, so severe that it is a mir-
acle of miracles we were not all sent into eternity. Independent
of this, there was a person on board with a horse and chair, who
miraculously escaped having his leg broken by the carriage tumbling
about, and jamming his leg against the side of the boat. This per-
son lost several articles of his travelling apparatus overboard. He
appeared much enraged, and after his arrival on the other side, ap-
plied to the ferry-master for his property to be replaced. The only
satisfaction he got from the ferryman, that the ferrymen's lives were
in as much danger as the passengers'. The person alluded to said
he would publish the circumstance the next day ; but as I have not
seen it, if you think these lines in a fit state for publication, you will
please give them a place in your paper."*
Three years after, in the month of February, was noticed: "On
Friday, at 5 P. M., a large boat of the old ferry, laden with flour,
which was stowed too much on her bows, sunk in the middle of the
river, with six persons on board, who were picked up by boats which
went off to their assistance." The next year: "On Monday night,
(January 14,) the Powles Hook Ferry-boats, Dolphin and RavMer^
owned by Hr. Holdram, were cut by the ice in Whitehall Slip and
sunk. They were laden with country produce; the greatest part of
which was saved." Then following, on the 21st instant, "One of
the Powles Hook Ferry-boats, with a quantity of wood and 25 pas-
sengers, had nearly been lost on Saturday (19th) at noon. She was
coming before the wind, When a sea struck her, and went over her
fore and aft, and filled her nearly half full of water. The passen-
gers waved their hats for assistance, but were fortunately landed in
Bafety."t
We are shown in the following verses some of the troubles of the
olden time, in
"CROSSING THE PERRY."
<* T' other daj» being oaird to New Tork in a hnrry^
And obliged, noleru volen$, to croas o'er the Ferry,
I bad waited impatient eome time on the stairs,
When ' Harrj— she's going 1' sainted mj ean.
* Dailj Advertiser. t Homing Chronicle, Jannaiy 16, 18ML
Vol. L— 13
Digitized by
Google
194 FI«r MABKJST.
So I Bonmbled on board, took mj Mtt in the stern.
And (aa uoial) was waiting for freight, in the snn I
Tili at length, 'mid some oaths, and * For G— sake posh offl'
The men took their oars, and were leaving the wharfl
< Hold on, there-^hold on I here 'a a man oomtng down
With a cart-load of things to go over to town-
Hold on, there — ^hold on ! here's a woman in sight —
Hold on just a bit— I shall get two-pence by 't 1'
With a smart epnaky onw, who were not in conditioa
To bear any longer snch great impositioo,
We all rose at once— spoke in laogaage of thnnder,
And oar great noble Captain was forced to knock nnder."*
" Crossing the Ferry," at New York, with the first steam ferry-
boat, was made on the North River, by Mr. John Stevens, on or
about the 18th of September, 1811. The first announcement of it
appears in the '"Press" of that date, as follows: '' Hoboken Steam-
boat.— Mr. Godwin respectfully acquaints the citizens of New York
and the public at large, that he has commenced running a steamboat
on the Hoboken Ferry, of large and convenient size, and capable of
affording accommodation in a very extensive degree. The boat
moves with uncommon speed and facility, and starts from the usual
Ferry Stairs, at the Corporation Wharf, foot of Vesey Street, New
York, where passages may be taken at any hour of the day."t
On the 24th of the same month, the following editorial appears:
'' Steamboats are rapidly getting into ' the full tide of successful ex-
periment' in this country. Last week one of Colonel Stevens' ferry*
boats, employed by Mr. Godwin, of Hoboken, was started into opera-
tion, and yesterday made 16 trips back and forth, between that place
and this city, with a probable average of 100 passengers each trip.
Her machinery, we understand, is somewhat different from that of
the large Nor^ River boats, and we presume she sails considerably
faster than any other heretoifore constructed in our waters."^
The North River boats, or rather the first successful steamboat
introduced on the North River, appeared and commenced the first
trip to Albany on Monday, the 17th of September, 1807, at 1 o'clock,
P. M. She was called *' Clermont" after the country seat of Chan-
cellor Livingston, on the North River, about 110 miles from New
York. The particulars of the "Clermont's" first trip to Albany
with passengers are thus given by a number of witnesses who have
subscribed their names, as noticed in the Press :
"Steamboat. — On Friday morning last, {September 4th,) at 18
minutes before 7 o'clock, the North River steamboat left New York,
landed one passenger at Tarrytown, and arrived ^t Newburgh at 4
o'clock in the afternoon; landed a passenger there and arrived at
* L. I, Star, September 4, ISll. f '* Golnmbian." t Ibid.
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 195
*OIermont/ where two passengers were landed at 15 minutes before
2 o'clock in the morning, and arrived at Albany at three-quarters of
an hour past 10, making the whole time 28 and a half hours — dis-
tance 165 miles. The wind favorable but light from Yerplank's
Point to Wapping's Creek ; the remainder of the way it was head
wind or a dead calm. This was signed by
'' Selah Strong, Qarrit Van Wagennen, Thomas Wallace,
John L. Wilson, John P. Anthony, Wm. S. Hicks,
Deimis Moore, O. 0. Wetmore, J. Bauman,
J. Crane, James Braiden, Stej^en N. Power.
"Dated Albany, Sept. 5, 1807."*
This boat was built by Hr. Charles Brown, at his ship-yards on
the East River, from which she was launched in the spring of 1807.
The engine put into her was made in England, and in the month of
August, she was found completed, so as to be moved from her berth
around to the Jersey shore by her machinery, much to the surprise
and admiration of hundreds who witnessed this first successful steam-
boat in our waters.
With the ferry-boats there was quite a competition between Ful-
ton, who represented the Powles Hook Perry Company, and Col.
John Stevens, that of the Hoboken Ferry. Colonel Stevens, as it
appears, brought forth tl^ first passenger steam ferry-boat ; but Ful-
ton produced, although at a later period, a boat (or rather a double
boat) which proved successful for the general wants and uses of a
ferry-boat.
Tie remarks of the " Press," made at that period, will give the
reader a much better knowledge of their several merits ; and having
noticed Colonel Stevens', we tucn to Fulton's, which is found in the
month of July following. " The large and commodious steamboat
which has been for some time erecting in this city by Mr. Fulton, as
a ferry-boat to ply between this city and the City of Jersey, will be
in full operation on Thursday next, {Jviy 2.) The crossing the
North River has been such an obstacle to the communication with
this city, that it is a matter of real congratulation to the public
that their difficulties are removed. The most timid may cross now
without fear. As the fare of a market wagon, loaded, will be but
fifty cents, there is no doubt but our markets will be better sup-
plied than ever they have been."t
On the 20th of July following, a description is given of ^*FuUon^8
Steam Ferry-Boat" ''.This excellent machine, consisting of a boat
with two hdls, connected by a single platform, with a wheel in the
space between them, and rudders at each end, built for the convey-
• OaUj AdverOser, September 11, 1607. f ** CkAombian," July 1, 1813.
Digitized by
Google
196 ^^"^ MARKET.
ance of passengers across the Hudson, has got into suooessfiil oper*
ation, and promises extraordinary facilities for traveling. Horsea
and wagons stand on each side of the machinery, driving in at one
end from a floating bridge fitted to the boat, and ont at the oilier,
without rising or descending six inches in accomplishing the pas-
sage from street to street on each side the river. The boat is
constructed with both ends alike, and never turns in sailing, but
goes back and forth by changing the motion of the wheel."
"On Sunday, the corps of Flying Artillery crossed in the boat
from Paulus Hook to the city, on its way to Albany, at four trips;
on the first of which it brought 4 pieces of artillery, (6-pounders,)
and limbers, ammunition-wagons, 27 horses, and 40 soldiers, besides
other passengers." Another account says, " The 'steam ferry-boat'
crosses the Hudson twice in each hour during the day. Yesterday,
(September 15,) in crossing from Paulus Hook, the boat contained
about 500 persons, besides a coach and a pair of horses, a phaeton
and pair, a horse and chair, and five saddle-horses."
The great number of soldiers and other persons crossing the fer-
ries at this period was on account of the preparations for war with
England.
The want of a team or steam ferry-boat on the East River was
the occasion of a large amount of property lost by fire on the 23d
of September, 1812, in Brooklyn. The "Press," the next day, says,
" Last evening, about eight o'clock, a tremendous fire broke out at
Brooklyn in Ben'n Smith's large stable, (in which nine horses were
destroyed,) situated near the old ferry, east side of Main Street,
which consumed the building where it originated, together with
Chas. Hewlet's grocery^tore, T. Hicks and Van Mater's stables,
and the large store-house known as the Corporation Buildings."
Three dwelling-houses were also injured. " We are informed that
if it had not been for the arrival of the floating and other engines
from this city, the fire would in all probability have crossed the
street, and the whole town would have been in danger. It is sup-
posed the flames would have been sooner arrested, had not the New
York firemen been hindered at the ferries; the large ferry-boat
happened to be on the Brooklyn side at the time of the alarm."
The editor of the "Long Island Star" says, "We are proud to
acknowledge the services of the firemen of New York, who came
over to the assistance of Brooklyn during the late fire. Besides
the Floating Engine, there were Nos. 5, 7, 11, 18, 21, 22, and 87.
We observe in several daily papers the acknowledgments of the
firemen to individuals of our village for the refreshments provided
for them on that occasion. In one communication is observed, that
Digitized by
Google
FLY MABRET. 197
ererj public, as well as many private houses, were solicitous for the
refir^ment of the firemen. The engineers of the town, in behalf
of the members of the Fire Department, thanked the firemen of
New York, and also 'to Captain Robert L. Gardiner, of the
(JUhing) smack, for his willing and friendly exertions in transport-
ing two engines, with their members, across the East River, and to
our townsmen for the refreshments they afforded to the firemen
generally/ John Doughty and David Sbaman."
The New York firemen ''send the following to be published:
The disastrous fire of the 23d which your village suffered, and the
sundry late fires, ought to awaken the inhabitants to make all pos*
sible preparations to facilitate the extinguishing of fires. When-
ever you have been visited by a fire of any magnitude, some of the
firemen of New York, with their engines, have gone to your relief.
Had there been any ferry-boats or other conveyance at command,
you would at all times receive much earlier assistance. Not a
boat belonged to your ferry sufficiently large to convey one engine,
nor did any cross till after the fire had raged for two hours. I
would propose to your inhabitants that they build two scows, one
for each ferry, sufficiently large to take in two or three engines ; that
iheee boats be deposited in our ferry slip, in which case you may at
all times calculate upon assistance from the New York firemen.''
It was not long after, when a decided improvement was made on
this river, by the introduction of a "horse ferry-boat," first started
on the '* Catharine Slip Ferry,'' and particularly noticed in the
''Long Island Star," as follows:* ^^New Ferry-Boats. — On Sunday
last (AprU 3, 1814,) the public were gratified by the performance
of a new-invented ferry-boat on the New (Catharine Street) Ferry,
between this village and New York. This boat was invented by
Moses Rogers, Esq., of New York. It is in some respects similar
to the Faulus Hook ferry-boats, and calculated to receive wagons in
the same commodious way ; but the water-wheel in the centre is
moved by eight horses. It crossed the river twelve times during
the day, in from eight to thirteen minutes each, and averaging two
hundred passengers each time. It makes good way against wind
and tide, and promises to be an important acquisition. Another
boat, to go by horses, is now building for that ferry ; and a steam-
boat, belonging to William Cutting and others, is nearly ready for
the ferry between Brooklyn and Beekman Slip. These great im-
provements on the ferries cannot fail to benefit this village and the
a4jacent country." It was announced, two days after, '* The horse-
boat will continue to run from the New Ferry to Brooklyn until
• NMaiiibian," April 7, 1S14
Digitized by
Google
198 FLT MARKET.
«
the first of May, as a temporary arrangement. Passengers will be
charged four cents; two of which are for the owner of the ferry,
and two cents for the owner of the boat. All other articles at the
rates heretofore charged in the roio-bocUsJ^
On the 8th of the next month after, was introduced the first
"Brooklyn Steam Ferry^Boat.— The 'Nassau,' the new steamboat
belonging to Messrs. Gutting & Co., which commenced running
from Beckman Slip to the lower ferry at Brooklyn a few days ago,
carried in one of her first trips 549 (another counted 550) passen-
gers, one wagon and a pair of horses, two horses and chairs, and
one single horse. She has made a trip in /our minuteSf and gener*
ally takes from four to eight, and has crossed the riyer forty times
in one day."* " Yesterday, (Sunday, May lOthJ between twelve
and one o'clock, Mr. Lewis Rhoda accidentally got hurled into the
machinery of the new steamboat ^Nassav,' which cut off his left arm
a little below the elbow, and broke his neck. He expired in about
three hours after."t
"The boat impelled by horses from the New (Catharine) Slip to the
upper Brooklyn Ferry carried at one time 548 passengers, besides
some carriages and horses. And a horse-boat is to run soon from
Grand Street Dock to Williamsburgh," which boat was noticed on
the following 4th of June : " This morning was launched, at the ship*
yard of Mr. Gharles Browne, an elegant double boat, intended to
ply as a ferry-boat from Gorlaes Hook to Williamsburgh, Long
Island. This beautiful boat is called the ' Williamsburgh,* and is to
be propelled by horse-power, with machinery very different from that
already constructed and used in the Hoboken or Brooklyn boats, and
is thought by competent judges to be very complete. It is supposed
that two or three weeks may yet be required to complete the mar
chinery, &c., before she can be placed in her station."
The benefit arising from these sieam and teamferry-ioaJta soon be>
gan to be experienced by our dty, as well as by Long Island and
New Jersey ; from whence loaded wagons were hourly seen through
the day crossing these ferries, laden with the productions of the
farmers of these different places, and more especially from Sag Har*
bor and the lower parts of Long Island.
From this period, year after year, were introduced new boats of
various styles, and with increased speed and accommodations, upon
the various routes, which have also much increased.
To the year 1795 we again turn, and find the principal part of
these market buildings had been built many years, and being mere
wooden sheds, had now become dilapidated, leaky, and greatly needr
• « ColnmbiMi,'' lUj IS, 1814. f L. L 8Ur, May 11, 1814.
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET. I99
ed repura; besides, the market was on certain dajs overcrowded,
and afforded no shelter from the storms or son, especially for the
many oomtry people. Petitions were presented asking for repairs
and gpreater accommodations, which the Common Council wished to
accede to, but they thought the neighborhood, or those who were
eiyoying a large business or benefit, ought to assist in famishing
the necessary accommodations, as they bad always done on former oc-
casions. Many of the " neighborhood," however, thought the mar-
ket revenue was more than sujficient to maintain it, and they would
not subscribe as usual. But several young butchers, who had '* shirk
Hands*^ in the " lower market," and others, came forward with peti-
tions, among whom were Daniel Winship, George Goodheart, John
Pell, George Harkler (Merkle,) Cornelius Schuyler, and John Cor*
bey, present one on the 17th of August, (1795,) in which they state:
"^ They have served regular apprenticeship to the butcher's trade in
the dty, and some have been working for themselves three or four
years. They have been killing ' small creatures,' and selling their
meat by the quarter." They '* find this mode of doing business will
not answer their purpose; they have nothing but their trade to de-
pend upon;" they "conceive they might be accommodated with
stands in that part of the Fly Market where they now sell their
meat, without taking up more room than they do at present, and in
soch case the petitioners would each of them willingly pay * one hun-
dred dollars,' to be expended in repairing or enlarging the market,
Ac, ; and they are all recommended as proper persons by many of the
older butchers." Then, on the 19th instant following, George Mes-
serve, Jr.» says: "He has served a regular apprenticeship to the
butcher's trade, with his father, Mr. George Messerve, and he now
wishes to set up for himself, and carry on his business, which he can^
not do without having a proper stand (m the ' lower market ') for
that purpose." He " is willing to pay one hundred doB/ora towards
repairing or enlarging the markets, or for any other purpose," Ac.
The following certify, that he'sustains the character of an honest,
industrious man, and recommend him, Ac. :
John Lamb, John Lasher, M. Willett,
G. Bauman, Peter T. Curtenius Walter Bicker,
John Stoutenbugh, S. Roorbeck, John J. Montayne,
Geo. Marvin, Stephen M'Crea, William Bdgar,
Biohard Yarian, Esekiel Robins, Michael Yarian.
Caleb Yandenburgh also petitions in the following November,
and says: " He is a native of this city,iind has served an apprentice-
ddp; requests a stand in the lower Fly Market." We find the fol-
lowing old butchers certify to his " apprenticeship:"
Digitized by
Google
200 '^Y MARKET.
William Wright, William Post, John Lorell,
John Finck {Fink) John Doughty, Jr., John Norman,
Isaac Yarian, William Moonej, George Robert Bedc,
Joseph 0. Bogert, John Fitzgerald, William Everett, Jr.,
Edward Mooney, John Pessinger, Abraham Bogert,
James Sullivan, Joseph Nott, Stephen Hilliker, and
James Harsh.
There were large number^ applying for these and other stands;
and others, again, to be licensed as regular butchers; the Board,
however, had not yet concluded to enlarge or rebuild^ but recom-
mended the Mayor to " License all persons of good character who
shall apply for license, provided they shall have served an appren-
ticeship to the business in this city."
A law had many years before passed, that ''No person shall exer-
cise the office of a butcher in this city, unless he is licensed for that
purpose by the Mayor, under the penalty of five pounds for every
offence ; and that every butcher shall hold his office during the pleas-
ure of the Corporation only."
The next year, (1796,) on the 7th of March, a committee, consist-
ing of Aldermen Robert Lenox, Andrew Van Tuyl, and Nicholas
Carmer, reported on the condition of these old buildings; part of
which appears as follows: " That the upper and middle markets re-
quire new floors, and the latter a new roof; but as the repairs, if
carried into effect, would only be temporary, and ill comport with
the public spirit, they conclude it cheapest in the end to make per-
manent improvements." This conclusion encourage a petition to
have a new building placed along Front towards Wall Street, which
was soon followed with a stronger one opposed to it; however, the
old site was decided on, and on the 22d of August, the committee
were ordered to proceed in the rebuilding the market-house, running
from Water to Front Street, by contract, and cause the old building
to be sold.
It appeared finished early in the month of November, *' supported
with brick pillars, and ceiled with lath and plaster."
In consequence of it being next to the country and fish market,
there were many applications for the stands ; so numerous were they,
that the Oommon Oouncil concluded to sell them at public auction;
and on the 14th of the same month, a committee reported, " that
the following fourteen unappropriated stands in the lower market "
were " exposed to public sale in the market on Saturday last, (ISUA
in8t.) under the conditions and for the sums mentioned (below,) and
that they allowed Mr. (Frederick) Jay, the vendue master, for Ud
commission, eight dollars. Signed, Robsbt Lbnoz, Ac'^
They were sold to the following persons, at the prices named:
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET. 201
Ma 72. Geoige MMiolt, • £530 Na 65. Be^Jamla Con^ £165
** 7L DftTid SeuiMi, - 290 " 64. Henrjr Lovell, - - 280
» 70. John Pell, - • 285 « 6S. Immo Bajes, - • 180
'« 69. Dftotel Winflhip, - 205 "62. John Penlnger, • 150
^ 68. G€0C8e MeHerre, • 320 <« 61. ConieUiu Schuyler, 175
•* 67. WhUehe«d CoraeU» 170 «< 60. fiurdei Striker, • 210
•" 66. James Toang, - 310 « 59. Andrew Rom, - - 200
£2,110 Whole amoant, • - £3,470
These conditions were : *' None to buy bat licensed butchers, sub-
ject to such regulations and fees as the Corporation may make from
time to time, and no transfer of any stall so purchased to be made
without leare of the Corporation.
^ Butchers who have stands in the upper market, and becoming a
purchaser in the Unoer market, are considered to have forfeited their
stalls in the upper market.
^ None of the butchers in the other markets are to have leave to
become purchasers in the Fly Market. '
"A credit of thirty, sixty, and ninety days is given for the pur-
chase money, upon giving such notes to Mr. (Danid) Phoenix as he
shall approve ;'' when he gave a receipt as follows:
*' New York, November 14, 1796, received of {John PeB,) his
notes, payable at thirty, sixty, and ninety days, for two hundred and
eighty-five pounds; which, when paid, will be the consideration
money for stand No. 70 in the lower market.
" Daniel Phoenix, Oiiy Treasurer.*'
These fourteen stands were the cause of a long-contested law-suit
in 1822, at which date they will be referred to. The large amount
of money which these stands brought induced the Corporation to
order all the vacant stands in the upper market to be sold at public
auction on the following 28th instant; when a committee reported
their sale as follows:
ffo. 3. David Man. - - £58
BroQghtnp, -
- £303
«« 7. Matlhew Fox, - - 85
• 75
«< 9. Matthew PogeKro^l,) 62
«< 19. John Barr, -
- 60
*' 13. Daniel Enalej, Jr., • 43
« 18. John Garbjr, •
40
" 15. Nicholas Smart, - • 55
" a John Deavenport,
- 20
Carried up, • - - £303 Whole amount, • • - £498
These nine stands, it will be perceived, brought less than one-half
as much as those previously sold; the cause, no doubt, was, they
were the rejected inside stands of the upper market, and the fSftrthest
from the country and fish markets. Those which are located the
nearest to these markets, and especially those on the comers^ are
always considered the most valuable.
Although these butchers had bought these stands, as it were, in
Digitized by
Google
202 ^^^ HARKBTk
fee, yet they were nevertheless liable any moment for violation of
the established laws, ordinances, rules, or regulations ; with the in-
fliction of the penalty, either fine, imprisonment, or the removal from
their stands were sore to follow. The authorities then were more
honest, capable, and strict in the performance of their duties than
those of the present day, and carried them out, not as politicians^
but as sworn conscientiouB officers ; and the people were more satis*
factorily governed.
A few years previous to this sale, the Proceedings inform us, on
the 14th of November, 1787, that William Everit, in the Fly Mar-
ket, butcher, " having totally neglected to attend his business at his
stall," it was resolved by the Board, '' that his license be termi-
nated." He immediately petitions to the Board, and states, that he
'' hfis been many years past used the trade of a butcher, and kept hia
stall in the Fly Market^ and duly paid for the privileges and immu-
nities, and also paid the sum otj^fteen pounds for these privileges;
that during the time he was in said business supported the character
of an honest and upright man, and a good citizen." He gives as a
reason for neglect of business, was on account of family matters, or
difficulties, and wishes again to be placed in the possession of his
stand. But this is denied him ; in fact, it placed him out of busi*
ness for many years after.
In the month of August, 1796, "A complaint was made against
N S , butcher, in this market, for affixing false Jewish
seals on his meats, and offering it for sale." He was ordered to
appear before the Board at their next meetings, {10th and I5th^)
when they ordered, *'That his license be suppressed." But after an-
other hearing on the 26th September, " he was restored to his office,"
which, no doubt, was butchering for the Jews.
Then several butchers were represented as having neglected per*
sonally to attend at their stalls, and had put others in their places,
without permission of the authorities, " who thereupon, on the 4th
day of September, 1797, Ordered, that if any butcher shall neglect
personally to attend his business at his standing in the market for
the term ot/ourteen days^ his standing shall be considered as vacated,
and sold to some other licensed butcher, except in cases of sickness
or other accidental causes." '* The Deputy Clerk of the Fly Mar*
ket was ordered to notify John Fincke, Henry Springier, John
Doughty, John Lovell, Alexander Peacock, and James Sullivan,
batchers, to appear at this Board on Monday afternoon next." On
that -day John Fincke, John Doughty, John Lovell, and Alexander
Peacock attended, and assigned satisfactory reasons for their ab-
sence. Henry Spingler also attended, and acknowledged that he
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET. 208
had abandoned his gtall, ''when it was ordered to be sold.'' John
Triglar, the nephew of Spingler, had worked and served for him
many years, was at this time oecnpying his stand, and wished to re-
tain it^ so he petitions to the Board on the 18th September, (same
year,) and says: "Having served a regular apprenticeship to the
butcher's trade in the said city, he about twelve months ago obtained
a license to carry on and exercise the trade of a butcher in the said
eity ; and since, he has worked part of his time wiA his uncle Henry
Spingler, and part of the time he has sold meat on his own account
at the stall No. 46, occupied by the said Henry Spingler; that the
said Heniy Spingler being about to decline Hbe butcher's business,
the petitioner is desirous of obtaining a license for the said stall,
for which he is willing to pay this Corporation the sum of fifty
pounds. That the petitioner has it not in his power to pay a larger
sum ; having but lately b^un his business, and being in low circum-
stances. That the petitioner's/a^Aer lost his life at Fort Washing-
Urn in the service of his country , and left the petitioner an orphan in
his infancy, dependent on his friends for support. He therefore
prays that this Honorable Board will be pleased to take his case
into consideration; that the sacrifice of his father's life in his coun-
try's cause may plead in the petitioner's behalf, and that the said
stall No. 46 may be granted him." The Board however, demanded
£70 from Triglar^ which he paid, and took possession.
For a few hundred pounds, Spingler several years previous had
bought some 22 acres of land, which then lay west of the *' Bow-
ery Hill," now located near Union Square, where he turned his at-
tention to raising garden truck and other field products; part of
which he conveyed and sold at this and the Bear Market. His prop-
erty, by its fortunate location, as time has proved, has constantly
increased in value ; and he has left his heirs very wealthy, (one of
whom now resides in the splendid mansion No. 21 West 14th Street,)
while his name yet lives, represmted by the " Spingler Institute,"
on Union Square.
Previous to the sale of these butchers' stands, a law had passed
which deprived the hucksters from selling fruit from their stands in
the markets, caused f^om the many complaints against their engross-
ing and storing all that came to the markets for a rise in price.
The law was so unexpected and sudden that it found them with a
large surplus on hand, and not time to dispose of it; and they ap-
pealed to the authorities, on the 26th of November, in the same
year, saying that " they now have on hand many of the prohibited
articles, which to them will be a great detriment. Should your
Honorable Board allow them to sell as usual, they will ever pray/' -
Catharine Montaynie, Catharine Spicer, Arabella Truce,
Digitized by
Google
204 FLY MABKBT.
Wilhelmina Shaffer, Catharine Staale, Blicabeth Totten,
Bridget Nash, Jane Wood, Jane Gilmore,
Nancy Lott, Mary Appleby, Caty Bnyshe,
Eliz. Marks, Sarah Conklin, Barbary Yanroser,
Sarah Barton, C. Shearer, Mary Baker,
Mary Oalp, Abigal Doil, all of Fly Market.
A few of them, however, exposed their fruit for sale, and were
fined ; and in the month of January following some of them appeal-
ed again, and state, '* that the support of our needy, destitute fami-
lies depends in a great measure upon ihe privilege of exposing for
sale fruit in the public markets, under any restrictions your honors
may think fit to impose in your justice ; and at the same time, most
humbly pray, after due consideration of our case and the inclemency
of the present season, that you will remit the fines at present im*
posed," Ac.
Their appeals appear to have been unnoticed ; yet they did not de>
spair, but with the assistance of some forty subscribing citizens, thej
again made a last trial, and *' trust with confidence in your good-
ness for a repeal of the law above alluded to." This was read on
the 6th of February following, and rejected.
In the month of December previous, (1796,) the Fish Market was
torn down, for the purpose of stopping what proved to be a very
destructive fire, which is noticed in the Minerva December 9, 1796.
"About one o'clock this morning, a fire broke out in one of the
stores on Murray's Wharf, Coffee-House Slip. The number of
buildings consumed may be from fifty to seventy-— a whole block,
between the above Slip, Front Street, and the. Fly Market. The
progress of the fire was finally arrested by cutting down the Fish
Market:'
So many fires occurring just about this period, led many of the
citizens to believe the slaves were again conspiring to destroy the
city, which caused great excitement, and much preparation to guard
against such a calamity. The same paper, of the 14th inst. following,
notices this. " Seriotis Cause of Alarm, — Oitizens of New York, you
are once more called upon to attend to your safety. It is no longer a
doubt — ^it is a fact, that there is a combination of incendiaries in this
city, aiming to wrap the whole of it in flames ! The house of Mr.
Lewis Ogden, in Pearl Street, has been twice set on fire — ^the evidence
of malicious intention is indubitable — and he has sent his black man^
suspected, to prison. Last night an attempt was made to set fire to
Mr. Lindsay's house in Greenwich Street — the combustibles left for
the purpose are preserved as evidence of the fact. Another at-
tempt, we learn, was made last night ii^ Beekman Street. A bed
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET. 205
was Bet on fire under a child, and his cries alarmed his family.
Boose) fellow-dtisens and magistrates I yonr lives and property are
at stake. Doable yonr night-watch, and confine yonr aervarUs.^^
The Common Oonncil, on the 16th December, passed resolutions
offering/i;6 hundred doUars reward for the conviction of offenders,
and recommend the " good citizens in the several wards to arrange
themselves into companies or classes, to consist of such numbers as
shall be necessary for the purpose of keeping such watch for the
safety of the city."
A citizen says: '* The yellow fever produced not such extraordi-
nary commotion. The present alarm, as it is contagious, it may be
called the Jire fever. ^^ The fever, however, soon died out; as the
precautions taken had the desired effect, even if there had been a
sign of conspiracy.
The Fish Market was used without a cover until the 24th of Feb-
ruary (1797) following, when the fishermen petitioned " That, in
consequence of the Fish Market being destitute of a cover, that it
is very injurious to them. Respecting the fish— as in a clear day
the fidi will not survive but a few minutes, in consequence of their
being exposed to the sun, which not only materially affects the sale
of them, but we are entirely exposed to the inclemency of the
season. They beg a redress of a grievance of this kind, as it will
affect the community at large." (Signed,)
Joseph Latham, Nicholas Darow, Elias Lewis,
Jasper Latham, Thos. Wilcocks, Henry Harris,
Joseph Lewis, John Potter, Thomas Oeoffery.
On the 27th of March following, a new market-house was ordered
to be built. " That in rebuilding the market, the uniformity al-
ready established should be continued, and that it should be extend-
ed from the south side of Front Street to the door of the house oc-
cupied by John C. Frecke;" and to be built in the same manner as
the upper market.
The next year will always be known as the " dreadful ydlow
fever year,^^ when we find 2.086 deaths registered in a few short
months. It became known to many of the prominent physicians in
the year 1791, when several of our first citizens fell victims to its
fury; then again in 1795, when 782 were carried off; and the vari-
ous accounts given of it were quite melancholy.
One, given October 17, states: "This city has been in a truly
melancholy situation ; but the accounts of the mortality have been
greatly exaggerated in the country. Consternation has added
greatly to the distress of the city ; the poor have suffered much,
but their wants have been liberally supplied from the hands of be-
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET.
nevolent donors. Very little business has been done— a mismn
caim has reigned through every street. We are now blessed
with salubrious western gales, which is coneeiyed to be sent in
mercy, and presages to our hopes that the city will be free from the
epidemic in a little time. It certainly puts on a less terrible hue —
not more than one in twenty die. Those who have died were the
greatest part new residents."*
In the years 1799, 1800, 1803, and 1805, the city was again vis-
ited by this dreadful visitor, more or less ; but in 1798 it came on
so sudden, that it grasped a great many in its fatal clutches before
they were hardly aware of its presence ; and so fatal was it in the
month of August, that it was believed '' nearly one*half of those
cases reported died ; and after that period the proportion dimin*
ished tp about one-third." What made the matter worse, the
country people were so alarmed that they would not bring their
provisions to the city, although every encouragement was given
them. '*No fees were demanded from country people bringing
provisions to our markets." The committee appointed to afford
relief to the indigent and distressed sick, in a communication to
the public, say: "They entreat their fellow-citizens of the sur-
rounding country not to withhold from the markets the usual sup-
plies of poultry and amaU meats, as well as other articles so essen-^
tially necessary to both sick and well, in this city, in this distressed
season." t These appeals are answered from many of the citizens
who had removed ; and others, living in New Jersey and elsewhere,
sent large sums of money, as well as gifts of beef, pork, mutton, but-
ter, cheese, flour of all kinds, poultry and vegetables, by the wagon
and sloop loads.
The markets in the infected district were deserted, but not be-
fore this disease had marked its victims among the butchers, of
whom no less than eleven, now known — eight from this and tluree
from the other markets — viz.: John Barr, James Place, James
Young, William Mooney, Simmons Potter, Adam Van der Bergh,
William Everit, Jun'r, and George Messerve, of the Fly; and
William Blank, Gilbert Enapp, Edward King, from the others.
In briefly noticing the death of John Barr, the occupant of No.
19, it is also a duty, and withal a pleasure, to notice the occupant of
No. 13, Matthew Vogel, for his fearless acts of humanity displayed
by him in that dreadful season, when many of its first victims were
almost deserted or left with those who could not assist them.
Mr. Yogel at that time was a young as well as strictly a Chris-
tian man, without a particle of the braggart or of personal fear, as
« N. Y. Joaroal, &o. f I>aily AdvM'tiBer, Sept 28, 179&
Digitized by
Google
PLY MARKET. 207
he went wherever he could hear of a case of this fearful disease that
needed assistance, whether rich or poor ; and I am told he was the
means of assisting many, or emoUhing the piBowa of the aflSicted and
dying sufferers.
Tet living, (1858,) and nearly nineiy years of age^ is the active, in-
telligent widow of one of the victims of 1798| who told me the fol-
lowing facts. She said her husband, John Barr, was a butcher in
the *'Ohi Fly Market," where he took the yellow fever. He came
home to his residence, then at the southeast comer of the Bowery
Lane and Grand Street, and with the assistance of his wife, dis-
mounted from his horse — ^no carts being allowed after a certain time
around the markets — ^when his relatives and friends deserted him
all, except his affectionate wi£9 — and she for two days and nights
was at the bedside, alone with her, at times, deranged husband; and
when in his senses, his wishes were, if he died — that he might not
be taken by Parker^ in his horrid dead-cart^ to " Potter's Field."
His faithful wife promised he diould not if she lived. The humane
Vogel heard of his sickness through the doctor, {UfiderhtU^ she
thought he was a doctor,) and hurried there to find that the husband
was speechless and the wife worn out He stayed and done all
that man could do, but the poor distracted wife knew he could not
live, and she also knew that no other help could be obtained; she
prepared his mnding^heet^ that he might have the Christian burial
she had promised him.
He died, and Vogel, having previously procured a coffin, laid him
out; then, before the expected deadrcart came along for the body,
he harnessed the dead man's favorite horse before his butcher-cart,
to be at last used as his hearse, and in this he conveyed the body,
followed by one^ the chief mourner, to the family burial-ground in
the Dutch Reformed church-yard, at the corner of Eldridge and
Houston Streets, where he wished it to lie. There the noble-hearted
Vogel dug the grave, and the faithful wife redeemed the last prom-
ise made to her once affectionate and her only husband.*
The action of the " Board of Health," who bestowed on Mr. Vogel
a ''vote of thanks" for his many fearless acts of humanity, which
soon after became generally known, brought him much trade ; but
his generous nature, which hung to him through life, caused many
of the deserving as well as the undeserving to visit him, and they
went away not empty handed. Another generation, and Unde Mat
(as he was familiarly called) found himself poorer only in purse,
and his heroic services almost forgotten, save a few friends who
were with hkn in that deadly season. In the year 1830, he petition-
• A aketcb of Mn. Esir wm be ftwod In Union Ifatkat.
Digitized by
Google
208 PL^ MARKET.
ed for a small oflBce, bnt as 9l political quali/loation had then begun
to show its demon head, he conld not succeed. His few friends
among the leading men then came forth, and among their acts placed
the following before the Board on the 13th of February: " I certify
that I have been personally acquainted for many years with Mr.
Matthew Yogle, and understanding that he is an applicant to the
Common Council for the appointment of Ward Street Inspector^ I
recommend him as worthy, and as an applicant having strong claims
to their regard. Mr. Yogle in the gloomy year of 1798 did great
service to our city during the mortality occasioned by the Yellow
Fever — ^he volunteered his services to aid the sick and distressed
among our citizens, which services he most humanely and perse-
veringly discharged at the hazard of his life — and in a manner so
much to his credit and our satisfaction, that the Board of Healthy
of which I then had the honor to be a member, also an Aldermani
deemed it proper to bestow on Mr. Yogle a vote (f thanks.
" Gabbibl Forman, Chairman of Board (f Health.
"New York, 13th of February, 1830."
We, the subjoined signers, are all acquainted with the facts as
above set forth, and unite in the petition and recommendation of Mr.
Yogle.
Samuel Stilwell, Edward Sturman, John Mann,
James Donaldson, John B. Smith, George Taylor, Jr.,
Peter Parks.
"Uncle Mat" did not receive this appointment; as the position of
a " Ward Street Inspector " would not suit an honest man — so says
the politician — so says, not the people; the politician rules and rtUnSf
and the people bear their burdensome load like heroes. This office
had too many votes, working with the broom, and that broom on
election day was wonderfully useful in sweeping in enough illegiti-
mate votes in the ballot-box to keep some other party, who likely
were still more dishonest, out. Mr. Yogel, however, through the as-
sistance of Colonel Appleby, George Pessinger, and many more old
friends, succeeded in obtaining a clerkship in the Essex, Monroe,
and Gouvemeur Markets, where he honestly and faithfully dis-
charged the duties until his death, which occurred in 1862.
For another incident of the fever of '98 I am indebted to Dr. An*
derson, who was a very great sufferer by the loss of many dear rela-
tives at this period. He told me, that " in the month of September,
he first lost his brother by the fever; a few days after his father,
then living in Wall Street, was attacked, and soon after died; he
then removed his mother to his residence in Liberty«6treet, when
she was taken down with it, and, notwithstanding the careful nurs-
ing of himself and wife, she too died. By this time his wife, who
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 209
had been ill of consumption, died also, no donbt hastened from ex-
cessiye duties and excitement; then her sister, (his sister-in-law,)
having performed her duty with his sick mother, and her sister,
caught the fatal fever, and also died." While her body was yet
lying in the house. Dr. Anderson, who had now become so mnch
overcome by these afl3ictions that he gave up, supposing that all were
gone, his turn would come next. He proceeded up to the garret of
his house, when he perceived a piece of rag carpet lay stretched on
the floor, threw himself upon it, where exhausted nature caused him
to sleep.
In that situation John Ferguson, his friend, found him, who had
come to visit and assist him with the sick; but finding the rooms de-
serted, except the deceased, he proceeded up to the garret, where
he remained after finding him. When Anderson awoke, says Fer-
guson to him : " Sandy ^ what ts Ood Almighty going to do with you
next?^* These words of pity and sorrow from a "friend in need'*
encouraged and renewed his before drooping spirits, and again he
went forth to the world.
John Ferguson was then a law student, and having been disap-
pointed in love, became reckless of his life, and everywhere, at all
times of day and night, he was found assisting the sick or dying of
this fatal fever. His freak of recklessness, however, in the end
proved to be a humane one; and several years after he became the
Mayor of the City of New York.
A Mr. Jacob Underhill, a benevolent gentleman from up the
North River, came to the city at this period on purpose to assist
the victims of this disease, and faithfully he devoted his time and
purse in doing so. His principal medicine, says Dr. Anderson, was
plain Sage Tea, and, it was said, he cured many with it.
Dr. Alexander Anderson, referred to above, is now about 85 years
old, and daily he may be found engaged in an art of which he may
properly claim to be the father in the United States; that is, wood
engraving. In his youth he studied medicine, and received his de-
gree from Columbia College, but following the bent of his taste for
the arts, he relinquished the study of medicine and engaged in that
of engraving. Years after, he found some of Bewick's wood en-
gravings on natural history, when he became attracted by their gen-
eral effect, and without instructions he adopted this branch, and he
has followed it to the present day.
We again look back into that dreadful year 1798, and find
that the widows of several of these deceased butchers petition to be
allowed the use of their stands; others, again, whose stands had
been purchased from the Corporation, wished to sell them. The
Vol. L— 14
Digitized by
Google
210 FLY MARKET,
first is from Catharine, the widow of George Messerve, on the 29th
of October, same year, when she obtains permission *' to continue in
the occupation of the standing in the Fly Market of her late hus-
band"— " for one year, or during the pleasure of the Board." The
widow of Adam Van der Bergh, and Sarah, the widow of William
Everitt, JunV, were *' indulged with the little (like ?) priviledge as
that granted to Catharine Messerve."
Joseph Outen Bogert petitions for leave to purchase of the widow
of James Young, deceased, stand No. 66, which was granted. She
sold it to Bogert for $1,700; and when she accompanied him to the
Mayor's office, to procure a license, " the Mayor told the widow
that she got more than the husband gave for it" — "and instantly
recommended that it would be proper to take less." To this Mrs.
Young replied, that " the stall was her own, and that, as she was
left with three children, she must make the most of it," No doubt
the trade to it was considered in the sale.
James Campbell also petitions for the stand of Simmons Potter^
No. 19, which formerly belonged to John Barr, which was granted,
on condition that " he pay off the note, with the interest, due from
Potter," to the Corporation. In this manner the Corporation col*
lected all moneys due to them, whether of the principal, interest, or
rent. If one failed to pay either or all of these, it was charged to
the next occupant.
The butchers, after deserting the markets in consequence of the
fever, sold meats at their houses or other places ; and as they were
liable to the city for a stated sum (market fees) on each head of
stock they sold, after their return to the markets, they were called
on to render an account on oath of such market fees ; and they not
doing so immediately, on the 13th of November of the same year,
" the butchers of the Fly and Catharine Slip Markets respectively
do, on or before twelve o'clock on Monday next, of the fees due
from the 30th of July last to the 27th of October last, inclusive;
and also that they do by that day pay the amount of those fees."
In the month of June, 1800, some nine of the butchers in this
market petitioned for the " Manhattan Water" (which was just in-
troduced through several of the streets) in this market, to make
pickle and clean the market, and wish to bring it in at their own
expense ; which was granted to them.
At this period there were several petitions and memorials before
the Board, showing the crowded state of this market; and another
against a butcher here, who neglected his business in the market to
forestall cattle. This is dated June 2d, 1801, and says: "That
Henry Astor, and certain others, who are also licensed butchers, leav-
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 211
ing the care of their stalls and the selling of their meats to journey-
men, and others who are not licensed butchers, are in the constant
practice of forestalling the market, by riding into the country to
meet the droves of cattle coming to the New York markets, and
purchasing cattle for other stalls besides his own; and does not
personally attend to any stall. That it is also become very custom-
ary for drovers of cattle from the country, after selling their own
cattle, to purchase other droves, and sell them out singly at an ad-
vanced price, thereby forestalling the market. That your memo-
rialists, by their regular and constant attendance at their stalls,
have it not in their power to counteract these pernicious practices,
but are thereby prevented from purchasing cattle upon so good
terms as they otherwise could, and are often obliged to purchase
from the said forestallers at an advanced price. That in conse-
quence thereof, the price of butchers' meat is very considerably en-
hanced, to the great detriment of the city." They wish the Board
to adopt '^ such rules, regulations, and active measures as they
shall think fit and expedient, to restrain the said Henry Astor, and
all others, from forestalling the markets in manner aforesaid."
This was signed by several of the principal butchers in several of
the markets, as follows:
Wm. Wright, William Post, David Marsh,
Edward Patten, Alex'r Peacock, John Norman,
Philip Fink, Alex'r Fink, and Joseph 0. Bogart.
At this period the market is represented as being much crowded,
by several citizens and some of the butchers, who state : " From
the extreme narrowness of the said market, and from the present
crowded and unequal distribution of the vacancies between the
stalls, they are impeded in the prosecution of their business, and
the citizens frequenting the said market greatly incommoded ; inso-
much that, in full market-day, it is difficult to pass and repass."
This extract would lead us to supine that this market, at that
period, was near its height of prosperity ; and no doubt it was, as,
two years after, every stand and space appears to have been occu-
pied, and all doing well. Seventy-two butchers*' stands were occu-
pied by the following persons:
No. 1. John Pessinger. 8. John Deavenport.
2. John Hilliker. 9. George Mason.
S. John Fitzgerald. 10. Nicholas Stall, (Stad.)
4. John Basley, (Baisley.) 11. George Rierson,(J3^er«oii.)
5. Thomas Hall. 12. John Philips.
6. William Kline. 13. Mathew Vogal, (Fogd.)
7. James Wilt. 14. Thomas Gibbons.
Digitized by
Google
212 FLY
MARKET.
No. 16. Jacob Nichols.
44. John Triglar.
16. George R. Beck.
45. Daniel Enslej.
17. James Redding.
46. John Fink.
18. William Dick.
47. Edward Patten.
19. William Moonej.
48. Alexander Peacock.
20. John K. Floor.
49. John Lovell, Jon'r.
21. Andrew Ross.
60. John Doughty.
22. John Norman.
61. John Lovell, SenV.
23. Abner Curtis.
62. James Oarr.
24. Francis Arden.
58. Michael Yarian.
25. Scale & Passage.
64. Richard Yarian.
26. Charles Bird.
55. John Garrison.
27. William Wright.
56. Christian Stamler.
28. Joseph Graff.
67. Henry Astor.
29. Isaac Yarian.
58. William Messerve.
80. Eliphalet Wheeler.
59. John Raynor.
81. Sam'I Ackerman.
60. James Marsh.
82. Andrew Van Densen.
61. Cornelius Schuyler.
88. John Whitehand.
62. John Pessinger, Jun'r.
84. John Roper, or Raper.
68. William Everitt.
85. John B. Smith.
64. Henry Lovell.
86. John Williams.
65. Benjamin Cornell.
87. David Mann.
66. Joseph 0. Bogart
88. David Marsh.
67. Whitehead Cornell.
89. Stephen Hilliker.
68. George G. Messerve.
40. John Tier.
69. Daniel Winship.
41. William Post.
70. John Pell.
42. Isaac Beyea.
71. David Seaman.
43. George Thompson.
72. George Manolt.
Of all this large number, 1 know of but two who are yet in the
land of the living, (July, 1859:) one the occupant, at that period,
of No. 30, Eliphalet Wheeler ; and the other, of No. 56, Christian
Stamler. Both have long and successfully battled with the world,
although their long road of life has not been traveled together.
Eliphalet Wheeler is now almost eighty years of age, enjoying
good health, both in body and mind. When a boy of nine years
old, he began by earning a few shillings a week from working in
Lorillard's Tobacconist; at the age of sixteen he was apprenticed
with John Norman, a butcher in this market, where his perquisites
soon placed a few dollars in his pockets. About this period, it was
a great habit for the apprentice boy^, and of course young men, to
meet together certain evenings at Mrs. F's in Elizabeth Street, be-
low Bayard's Lane, (Broome Street,) where she kept quite an at*
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 218
tractive shop, dealing out mead, cakes, etc., and where card-playing
and other games of chance were performed. Yonng Wheeler was
induced to visit this place one evening, and before he left, he had
jast four shillings less than when he entered. The loss was not so
mnch, but the idea of losing it by gambling was more than his sen-
sitive mind could bear. It preyed on him so much, that on his way
home late in the night, he had to cross near the old family vault of
Alderman Bayard, which was then looked upon as a sacred spot by
many of the rising generation. When he came to it he stopped,
and on bended knee made a vow, " that he would never again, in
any manner, engage in 'games of chance ;' and further, to devote his
whole life and energies to serve the Lord." From that hour his
earnings were placed in what is called a "money-box," and he con-
tinued to thrive: purchased this stand {No. 30) in 1802; and in
1822 he purchased No. 2 in Fulton Market, from which he retired
more than twenty years ago, with abundance of this world's goods;
and he has lived such a life as conformed to the vow made upon
the old "Bayard Vault."
Christian Stamler is now about eighty years old, and quite help-
less. His life has been devoted to one of money getting, and he has
succeeded. He was ever very eccentric, both in looks and conver-
sation. Many anecdotes are told of him ; one of which appears
quite suitable to his general character. He happened on board of
a sloop one day, looking for stock; after finding some to suit and
agreeing about the price, the captain not knowing him, and judging
from his appearance that he could not raise five dollars, asked him
for a retainer. " Chris" was somewhat nettled, but very coolly took
out a small dirty roll from a corner of his old vest pocket, opened
it out, and handed the captain a one-thousand dollar biU, at the same
time showing many others; told the captain to take out the amount
demanded. The captain was nonplused, but some butchers came
up— gave the captain his name, which was generally known to him,
as well as to all the dealers in stock — ^but he said, " He did not ex-
pect to find a man of his reputed wealth in such shocking bad
clothes."
John Fink, noticed as the occupant of No. 46 in this market, had
many years previous been a keeper of an old public-house, known
as the "Butchers' Arms," on the comer of the Bowery and Bayard
Street, where many young butchers and others almost daily con-
gregated ; and from tins latter fact no doubt was the cause of Mr.
Fink becoming a prominent character in the once famous "Miranda
Expedition," which originated in this city in the year 1806.
This expedition was started by a native of Caraccas, South Amer-
Digitized by
Google
214 PLY KARKBT.
ica, known as General Francisco De Miranda, who appears to have
had some political difficulty with his government, and who had
been obliged to leave his country, and to seek safety in France,
where he had engaged in her army, and soon after received the
rank of General. Some dissatisfaction about promotion had in-
duced him to leave that country also: and the year 1805 found
him in the City of New York, where he became acquainted, through
letters of introduction, to several prominent citizens. Among these
were Oolonel William Smith, Samuel G. Ogden, Colonel Armstrong,
and Captain Thomas Lewis, the latter belonging to an armed trader,
called the " LeaiiderJ* It appeared soon after Colonel Smith be-
came a frequent visitor at Fink's public-house, which was a sort of
head-quarters for the young butchers after the market hours ; and
after a short period, he induced Mr. Fink to engage in the enroll-
ment of men, as was said, '' for the service of the United States/' to
form a Cavalry Company, by the name of " President's Guards,"
who:3e principal duty was to guard the President while traveling,
and at other times to guard the mail at New Orleans, at which place
they were to immediately proceed. The inducements held out were,
that they were to receive one month's pay of $15 in advance as
bounty money, besides all the necessary clothing and rations, which
were to be supplied gratuitously.
Mr. Fink's influence being very considerable, he soon enrolled
above tliirty persons, most of them butchers, and several of them
married men ; and there is no doubt that he was deceived in the
real character of the expedition, because he had engaged himself to
go, with many of his intimate friends ; but when they saw the secret
and unusual manner of the ships leaving the harbor, and of embark-
ing the troops, he refused to proceed, and he also induced many of
those whom he had induced to join also to refuse ; although several
of them, on the assurance of several of the officers *' that they should
not be deceived, with also some additional advance paid," resolved
to go.
At this late period but few are left who can recognize many of
those who were butchers who went on that expedition ; but I have
beon able to present the following : John Parsells, David Vinton,
John Edsall, Alexander Bahanan, Matthew Bahanan, Benjamin
Davis, Richard Piatt, John Burk, Henry Sperry, and others.
After the ship ** Leander " was ladened with a large quantity of war
materials, and the Custom-House Officers had been deceived respect-
ing her cargo and destination, she dropped down to Staten Island,
where she received General Miranda and the enrolled troops on
board; and she put to sea on the 3d day of February, 1806, ar-
Digitized by LjOOQIC
PLY MA&KET. 215
riving at Jaomel in due time. Here she remained some six weeks
giving those whom *' Miranda" intended to attack time enough to
learn all his intentions, and the necessary preparations to receive
him. Two other vessels were engaged by Miranda at Jacmel, when
troops and ammunition were placed on board, and all three pro-
ceeded to the Island of Buen-iire, and after many difficulties ar-
rived off that coast, where soon after they were attacked by two
Spanish vessels, and the two vessels of Miranda were taken, although
he escaped in the '' Leander."
Some 60 prisoners were taken to Porto Cavello, where they were
imprisoned, and soon after tried for piracy, when all the officers
were ordered to be hung, and afterwards to have their heads cut off;
the others were ordered to be imprisoned ten years at labor, part
at Omoa and the other part at Porto Rico, where many of them
died of wounds and sickness, and those who remained suffered al-
most death. Some few were pardoned, but many of them remained
in prison for years, although many efforts were made to secure the
interposition of our Government; to secure which, in their behalf,
some twenty of them stated in a memorial: "That we, your me-
morialists, are natives of the United States of America, and for the
most part of the City of New York, and are part of a number of
men of the same description who were brought from New York in
February last, in the ship Leander, Thomas Lewis, commander, un-
der circumstances of treachery and imposition, which your memorial-
ists will proceed to explain : Samuel G. Ogden has been known for
some time as owner of the ship Leander, which vessel had for some
lime been employed by him in a forced trade, for which purpose she
had been heavily armed ; consequently, there was less danger of her
warlike equipments awakening suspicion on the part of the public,
or in the breasts of your memorialists, of any illegal undertaking.
Of the whole number of your memorialists, some were attached to
the vessel, some were employed for military service, and others for
the exercise of their ordinary occupation and trade. Those of the
first description were shipped in the usual manner, on a voyage to
Jacnid and back to New York ; the rest were engaged by Colonel
William Smith, 3fr, John Fink, Colonel William Armstrong, and
Mr. Daniel R. Durning, to proceed to New Orleans, and other places
not mentioned, under the command of Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Dur-
ning, who, as was falsely and shamefully mentioned, had been appoint-
ed by Government to carry thither a certain number of men as a
guard to the mail. Your memorialists predicate their right to claim
the interference of Government in their behalf upon the original
innocence of their intentions and the veracity of the statement they
Digitized by
Google
216 FLY MARKET.
have offered. To establish these to your satisfaction, they beg that
the persons hereinafter mentioned, who are informed of the intrigue
that was exercised by Colonel Smith and others, his colleagues, may
be appealed to, viz. : Mr. Daniel Kemper, whose son was executed ;
Colonel Marrinus Willet; Mr. Brinkerhoof, tavern-keeper; William
Butledge, ship-joyner ; Samuel Winship and Francis White, butch-
ers, all of New York. And if it shall appear by the testimony of
these persons that the account be worthy of credit, they will be en-
titled to their country's protection and support.'' This was dated
"Carthagena, December 30, 1806."
We find also from a petition of John Parcell's, dated July 25,
1812, he says: "About eight years have elapsed since the expira-
tion of his apprenticeship, (with John Pell,) three years and four
mordJiS qf wkich time he was confined in prison in South America in
irons, on account cf being on board of a vessd under the command of
Miranda^^ Ac. Several others of these butchers, after enduring al-
most every hardship and suffering, came back broken down in spirit
and constitution, at last to lay their bones with their kindred.
The principal portion of the supplies which at this period (1802)
furnished the markets still came to the city by water, either in small
boats or across the ferries, and but few were brought in wagons or
carts, except by those who lived a few miles from the city on New
York Island. Occasionally the markets were poorly supplied,
caused either from certain tides, storms, Ac, which gave opportuni-
ties for the now numerous forestallers to take^ advantage of these
circumstances, by advancing the prices. The prices of certain arti-
cles in favorable seasons were usually about the same in certain
months, but the winter and spring months they all ranged higher.
This, however, was expected ; but the forestallers had for several
years past exceeded this expectation, and bought up all they could
before its arrival at the markets, by which means they controlled
the markets, and gave much dissatisfaction and cause of complaint.
This brought forth a report in the month of February, 1803, from a
Committee consisting of Aldermen John Oothout and Philip Brasher,
who state: '^Tha-t it has hitherto been the policy of this Board to
encourage a resort of country people bringing provisions to the mar-
kets in this city by land carriages ; the Committee are persuaded
that this policy has been attended with the most beneficial effects,
as supplies in this way not only tend to reduce the price of pro-
visions, but frequently defeat the injurious practice of forestallers;
the Committee therefore recommend that no market fees whatever
be demanded from persons bringing into this city any provisions in
wagons, carts, or sleds, provided the same are vended out of such
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 217
'wagons, carts, or sleds in which the same maj be brought to this
city. The laws against forestallers have been for a great length of
time but partially executed, if not totally neglected, whereby the
prices of provisions are much enhanced, and the inhabitants gener*
ally, but more especially the poor thereof, feel its baneful effects.
The Committee are of opinion that the clerks of the different markets
ought to be instructed from time to time by the Mayor of this city
* to be vigilant in the execution of their duty in this particular.' ''
They further state, they " have taken a survey of the Ply Market,
^ith a view to recommend additional shelter from the rain and sun
to be provided for women and others who dispose of vegetables;
find it impracticable, owing to the space being very narrow between
the eves of the market and the opposite houses ; any further exten-
Bion would prove destructive in case of fire. The Committee, how-
ever, recommend that the Mayor direct the Clerk of the Market to
make a more convenient disposition of the several stands, by obliging
many green-women who occupy the lower parts of the Fly Market
to remove nearer Pearl Street; by this arrangement, they would
have more room, and the country people from Long Island better
accommodated."
In the month of April of this year, Mr. Grant Thorbum observed
a man, for the first time, selling flower-plants in this market. He
says: ''As I carelessly passed along, I took a leaf, and rubbing it
between my fingers and thumb, asked him what was the name of it?
He answered, *A rose geranium.^ I looked a few minutes at the
plant, thought it had a pleasant smell, and thought it would look
well if removed into one of my green flower-pots, to stand on my
counter to draw attention. Next day some one fancied, and pur-
chased plant and pot. Next day I went when the market was nearly
over, judging the man would sell cheaper, rather than have the
trouble of carrying them over the river, as he lived at Brooklyn —
and in those days there was neither steam nor horse-boats. Accord-
ingly I purchased two plants, and having sold them, I began to think
that something might be done this way, and so I continued to go at
the close of the market, and always bargained for the unsold plants.
The man finding me a useful customer, would assist me to carry
them home, and show me how to shift the plants out of his pots and
put them into green pots, if my customers wished it. So I found
hy his tongue that he was a Scotchman, and being countrymen, we
wrought to one another's hands ; thus, from haying one plant, in a
short time I had fifty.
" The thing being a novelty, began to draw attention ; people car-
rying their country friends to see the curiosities of the city, would
Digitized by
Google
218 FLT MARKET.
step in to see mj plants. In some of these visits the strangers
would express a wish to have some of the plants ; but having so tax
to go, could not carry them. Then they would ask for the seeds,
and also those of cabbage, turnip, or radish seeds, &c. ; but here
lay the difficulty, as no one sold seed in New York, not one of the
farmers or gardeners saved more than what they wanted for their
own use ; there being no market for an overplus. In this dilemma,
I told my situation to George Inglis, the man from whom I had al*
ways bought the plants in the Fly Market. He said he was now
raising seeds, with the intention of selling them next spring, along
with his plants, in the market ; but if I would take his seeds, he
would quit the market, and stay at home and raise plants and seeds
for me to sell. A bargain was immediately struck; I purchased
his stock of seeds, amounting \o fifteen dottara; and thus commenced
a business on the 17 th of September, 1805, that became the most ex«
tensive of the sort in the United States."*
We find in the month of March, 1805, the Clerk of this market
represented, "That many persons have received severe falls from
the steps, which are placed at each end of the market, arising from
their being too narrow on the tread," which was so altered as to
make them more safe and convenient.
In 1803 the yellow fever appeared here, but it was not so fatal
as in 1798, although very bad, and in some instances fatal to whole
families. The first case which will be noticed here was a man of
the name of John Sebring, who died of this dreadful disease on one
of the butchers' stalls in this market, on the 19th of August. He
had just arrived from New Orleans, and belonged to Fredericksburgh,
Virginia. When taken sick he sought his boarding-house, but was
denied admission ; so he went into the market, laid down on one of
the stalls, and soon after died. Just above the market, at No. 55
Maiden Lane, lived a family named Wesferna, consisting of a mother
and two daughters ; all three died at nearly the same hour, and were
so reported on the 5th of October following. Mr. Abraham
O'Kie, his wife and three children, all died from the same cause
within ten days. He was the keeper of the " City Assembly Rooms,"
but he died at his residence No. 163 Greenwich Street, as noticed
October 3d following.
The next year it again appeared in some few cases. However, we
find at a meeting of the Humane Society, held August 6th, that the
Visiting Committee reported a donation of two hundred pounds of
.meat received from the butchers here, and two other donations of
meat from Mr. Francis Arden, also of this market, for the benefit
of the poor and the sick.
* ** Life aod WritiDgs of Grant Thifrhwm," p. 62.
Digitized by
Google
FLT. MARKET. 219
The year following (1805) the fever again prevailed with some
considerable violence, when the batchers in this market petitioned,
on the 6th of September, that '' conceiving the health of the city in
the vicinity of the Fly Market to be such as to induce them to be-
lieve that their stands will be of no public utility during the un-
healthfulness of the season/' they pray for permission to remove
during the sickness, which was granted to them. Some of them re-
moved their business to their residences, from whence they supplied
their patrons ; while others moved their stalls to Franklin Square,
Chatham Square, Broadway, and on both sides of the Park.
Eliphalet Wheeler says his place of business was located on the
Park, just below Chambers Street, on Broadway. A few years before
he had become acquainted with a most remarkable colored woman,
who lived on Golden Hill, comer of Cliff and JohnStreets,named Mary
Simpson, usually known as Mary Washington, as she had once been
a most faithful slave of General Washington, whom he had set free,
while President of the United States, residing in New York. After
she had left Washington's family, she had opened a little store in
the basement of this house, where she sold milk, butter, and eggs,
with cookies, pies, and sweetmeats of her own manufacture ; and
she also took in washing for several bachelor gentlemen who re-
sided in the neighborhood. She never forgot her old master's birth-
day, nor did she want her friends or patrons to forget it, as that
day was above all the holidays with her ; and she kept it most faith-
fully, by preparing a very large cake, which she called "Washington
Cake," (once a favorite of Washington,) a large quantity of punch,
then a fashionable drink, and hot coffee. These were nicely ar-
ranged upon a large table ; then against the wall hung an old por-
trait of Washington, which graced the head of the table, and a
small leather trunk, on which was marked the initials " G. W.,"
made of brass-head nails ; both of which had been given to her by
Washington himself. Every anniversary morning, some of the first
men, old and young, paid a ceremonious visit to this much respect-
ed colored woman, to eat her "Washington Cake," drink her punch
andicoffee, praise her old master's portrait, and his many noble and
heroic deeds ; and thus was passed every Washington's birth-day
until her death. She said she " was fearful that if she did not
keep up the day by her display, Washington would be soon for-
gotten."
During the several yellow-fever seasons, about the year 1800, Mr.
Wheeler says, "Mary often came to see me and beg offal meat,
sheep-heads, Ac. ; some of which she made soup of for the many des-
titute and sick and the rest she fed to numerous starved cats, which
Digitized by
Google
FLT IfABKET.
had been left behind by many families, in their haste to leave the
infected district.
Grant Thorburn says, (in a letter to me,) " When the yellow fe-
vers prevailed, people fled, and left their cats to starve; soon the
hungry cats came howling round the dwellings of those whose doors
were open. Mary Washington and her stout colored servant^girl
went every morning with two large sacks to the butchers, who al-
ways cheerfully gave them as many sheep-heads as they could carry.
On arriving home, they found five-score and five starving cats wait-
ing their return; straightway each with her hatchet split the sculls
and scattered the brains, when the cats ate and were satisfied. I
had full share of starving cats to provide for. The weather being
hot, and the windows open, the cats came in. We were obliged to
keep a woman with a stick to sit by the table, while the servant
was placing the food before us. Every day scores of cats met on
the pavement opposite his house ;'e7ery day I placed dishes on the
side-walks, and got many gallons of milk from the kind milkman
for the poor cats. Soon the cats found their way up town, and got
better quarters."
At an early day Mary became attached to St. Oeorge's Church,
and after a time she became acquainted with the minister, Reverend
Doctor Milnor, who found in her a quiet, respectful woman, with a
most excellent heart, full of kindness and attention, especially to-
wards the sick and needy. She was very fond of hearing the Bible
read, and became so anxious to know how to read it, that she was
placed in the Sunday-school, where, by great exertions and the kind
assistance of Doctor Milnor, she soon obtained this knowledge, and
this good book became her daily companion. Even when going to
market she carried it with her; and if she found Mr. Wheeler not
engaged, he was pleased to hold her Bible while she recited, some-
times, whole chapters at a time, without missing a word, so reten-
tive was her memory.
At all the meetings of the Church, no person was a more regular
attendant than this colored woman ; in fact, she was looked upon, and
felt herself, a little above some of the colored persons who came to
this Church, and would not sit with them. Her many good qualities
were considered by Doctor Milnor, who had a chair especially pro-
vided for her in the gallery. She could do nothing of importance
without consulting her *^Bo88'^ as she kindly called the Reverend
Doctor Milnor; and when she died, she bequeathed about eighteen
hundred dollars to the Sunday-school, and to be expended under the
direction of Dr. Milnor. One of his sons said to me, " If anybody
ever deserved a monument, that colored woman, Mary Simpson, was
one of them." So let her name and example live t
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET. 221
tn the spring of 1806 several complaints had been made against
some uncleanly slaughter-houses, not without just cause. Several
volunteers among some of the more respectable portion of the butch-
ers offered their services to the Board of Health; and a Committee
of the Board of Health was appointed and conferred with this Com-
mittee of Butchers, on the subject of regulating all the slaughter-
houses in the city. In their report, dated June 14th, 1806, the Com-
mittee state that they had met with the following butchers : *' David
Marsh, William Wright, Jacob Tier, William Ohivers, Daniel Win-
ship, Jacob Yarian, and Christian Miller, who will undertake on
the part of the butchers to inspect the slaughter-houses, and carry
into effect such parts of the law for preventing nuisances as related
to butchers; for which purpose the Committee recommended that the
aforesaid persons should be appointed inspectors of slaughter-houses
by the Common Council, and empowered to prosecute offenders for
the transgressions of the law for preventing nuisances, and of such
regulations as the butchers may adopt among themselves for the
purpose of conducting their business with every possible propriety.''
Several of these butchers were also leading spirits in the two
great political parties of the day, then known as Federalists and
Republicans, and they occasionally brought their power to bear,
either on one side or the other. An instance of a great wrong was
attempted by the party in power in the month of July, 1806. Twelve
Republican butchers petitioned to the Board for as many stands in
the lower, or *'Fish Market," which caused a resolution to be passed
in the Board, granting and directing the Market Committee to as-
sign stands for them ; although several of them occupied stands in
this and other markets. In a few days after, this Committee report-
ed, "That they have deliberately considered the nature of the duty
enjoined on them, and with all due deference to the judgment of
this Board, do give it as their opinion, that it would be improper
and ui\just to give away these stalls to any individual whatever, in-
asmuch as an offer has been made for one of these middle stalls, at
tiie rate of $120 per annum, and numbers of butchers «tand ready
to give the same amount yearly for the remainder of them, (and
more money, if required.) They are clearly of opinion that a con-
siderable revenue may be derived to the Corporation funds by leasing
the said stalls for 1, 8, 5, or 7 years. To give away these stalls in
the manner contemplated by the resolution of last Monday will cer-
tainly cause a great clamor and discontent by the citizens; and
there will be evidently a want of room for the country people, as
also a deficiency for the use of the fishermen."
This subject did ''cause a great clamor and discontent," especially
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET.
among the ^' press '' of both parties, who indulged in criminations
and recriminations; each party showing up the favor itisms or rascal*
ities of the other by turns, and it is now difficult to judge which woe
the worst.
The butchers petitioned, and also held several meetings, in rela-
tion to this subject, and at one of them the following proceedings
took place:
"At a meeting of the butchers who occupy stands in the different
markets in the City of New York, held at Pierson's Tavern, Slst
of July, 1806:
" It being well ascertained that the Common Council of this City
have lately resolved to convert part of the lower Fly Market, at
present used by the fishermen and country people, into a flesh mar-
ket, and to allow fourteen stalls to be erected tiierein for the use of
Bs many butchers, who have been selected and named for that pur-
pose, and conferred upon them these stands gratuitously, when many
of the butchers occupying stands in the Fly Market have paid large
sums of money for theirs — ^in confident expectation that no stalls
were to be erected in the lower or fish market, but have granted to
fourteen select favorites privileges which would have produced,
either at public or private sale, at least ttoenty thousand dollars to
the treasury of the city. John Pessengeb, Chairman.
Joseph 0. Booebt, Secretary."
As the prosperity of this market increased, ofttimes the greater
part of the country market would be in possession of persons whom
the laws excluded. From this fact originated ''Shirk" or ''Shark
Butchers" who were generally a set of shiftless characters, devoid
either of principle or honor ; made up of those who had worked a
while at the business until discharged ; or others from about the
country, who could not obtain licenses ; and others, again, who had
been in business, but not succeeding, either from their extravagance,
dissipation, or otherwise, were obliged to adopt any measure where-
by they might exist. Many of them often assumed the garb of coun-
trymen, in which they almost daily visited this portion of the mar-
ket with their quarters of small meats nicely laid in the country
farmers' baskets ; while others represented themselves as agents for
countrymen, or made certain arrangements or collusion with the
officers in charge ; and when driven off from the stands or benches,
they would "shirk" around for another; and they became known
as "shirkers" and "sharks" There were also a few of the regular
butchers who were permitted, or specially licensed, " to sell small
meats by the quarter" in this lower market; they, however, were
confined to certain parts and particular stands.
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET. 223
In 1807 these " shirks " became so formidable as to almost exelnde
the country people, who, with several citizens, complain to the au-
thorities, which was followed by the regular batchers, who also ask-
ed for relief. They wished none but farmers, " who bring their
stock to market, raised on their own farms, to sell meat by the
quarter," in this part of the market. The Deputy Clerk was " in-
structed to use his utmost vigilance to detect such offenders as shall
sell contrary to the tenth section of the law," Ac., which had the
desired effect for a short period.
About this period a Philadelphian visitor, who had been to this
market, was comparing it with the principal market in Philadelphia,
in a letter to one of the editors of a Philadelphia Magazine, when he
says: " This morning I accompanied ' mine host' to the Fly Market,
which is the principal one in this city — the whole forming a line
perhaps as long as one of the ranges of the Philadelphia 'High Street
Market.' " " Fish," he says, " may be had in greater plenty, variety,
and freshness. There is not found here that regularity or conven-
ience which distinguish the ' markets' of my native city. The fruits
and vegetables, Ac, with the owners, are exposed to all the injuries
of the weather; they are ranged on the side of the market-house in
the street, on the pavement, so that there is no more empt; space
than is barely sufiScient to accommodate the foot-passengers. Every-
thing which is exposed for sale may be bought without walking
half the distance which it is necessary to do at Philadelphia."*
The prices of provisions are also noticed by Melish, in his Travels,
who also refers to this market, as follows: "There are five public
markets in this city, of which the principal is the Fly Market, and
those are well supplied with wholesome provisions, vegetables, fruit,
and fish; and the prices are generally reasonable. A few of these
may be quoted: beef, mutton, and veal, 9 to 12 cents per pound ; a
turkey, 75 cente ; a goose, 62 cents ; ducks and fowls, 25 cents each ;
e^^ 14 cents per dozen ; butter, 22 cents per pound ; fish and fruit
plenty and cheap."
The fishermen were now increasing, and were in a thriving condi-
tion, although much incommoded in the slip for want of room for
their fishing vessels, and they were obliged to pile their empty fish-
cars on the dock or wharf, which created trouble between them and
the Street Commissioner. The Board, at a meeting May 18, 1806,
ordered this oiBoer " to inquire on what terms a water-lot at Brook-
lyn can be purchased for the accommodation of fisherman cars."
Before this arrangement was made, the fishermen petitioned " the
necessity of our having our cars out of the water, that they may
« Literary MaguBine, yol. vii., p. isa
Digitized by
Google
224 PLY MARKET.
dry, and by that means be cleared from the grass, Ac, which will
otherwise collect and destroy our fish ; and it is necessary to have
the cars near our place of keeping fish, as it is very frequently the
case that our amoncks or fishing-boats arrive at the dead hours of the
night, and in the slack time of tide our fish will die almost inatan*
taneously, unless they are shifted into cars. The number of smacks
employed regularly in this business will exceed seventy, and die
number of cars now upon the wharf will fall short of two to one
smack ; and as the fish increase the cars will materially diminish,
and the principal part of the summer season there will be but few
upon the wharf." This was signed by
Oeorge Rogers, Joseph Latham, Joseph Ashbey,
Roger Crandall, Jasper Latham, Jonathan Crocker.
Their petition, with other influences, stopped their removal for a
period, but the Corporation eventually (in 1810) removed them to
Brooklyn. The fishermen had threatened, that if they were removed
or ordered to be removed from Fly Market Slip, they would stop
the supplies of fish ; and they kept their word. This created con-
siderable feeling with the public on being cut off from one of the
principal necessaries of life, and the fishermen were much blamed.
One of them appeared in the " press," in these words: " The pres-
ent suppression of the regular supply of wofjish at the markets in
this city having justly excited the attention of the public, one of the
condemned feels himself called upon, by the respect always due to
the constituted authorities and the citizens at large, to give some
explanations of the case.
*' It is well known that for a number of years past the fishermen
have been accommodated with room on the wharf adjoining the
Slip, as a deposit for their cars. It was necessary that the cars
should be kept out of water, and it was not practicable to keep them
at Brooklyn, or at any other place at a distance from the market.
Let it suffice to say, without going into a detail of the whole busi-
ness of catching fish, bringing them to market, and keeping them
alive, sweet, clean, and wholesome while there, that this arrange-
ment is indispensable, and without it the fish market will lose one-
half of its worth and usefulness." " The Harbor-Master, also, on
Friday last, gave us express permission and direction to place our
cars in the position in which they were found." "And the result
is, that we must be allowed our old privileges, or others that will
answer the same purpose, or we cannot go on with our business."
This removal of the cars, even if the city had been regularly
supplied, would have subjected the fishermen to a great deal of
trouble and labor, in conveying these unwieldy /^A-co^etf across the
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 225
Bast Biver» and back again, against the usual strong current of that
river. The fact was, however, established, that the City of New
York was without a supply of fish, when they could so easily be
obtained ; and of course, the consequent rise of the small quantity
that were otherwise brought there. This soon brought forth ap-
peals from the public press, followed by petitions, and more es-
pecially from the poor retail fishermen, who depended upon their
daily sales for a living. Those from this market who signed were:
Elisha Lymans, James Qriffing, Jr., Bussel Beckwith,
Wm. Stebbins, Nathaniel Harris, Clark Trumans,
Edward Tinker, Joshua Parker, William Baxter,
Jonathan Crocker, Juorry Tinker, Bradley S. Wiggins,
and Jeremiah Tinker, who asked for relief; and the Board acceded
to their request, '*by placing the cars at the end of the Slip.''
In the "war of 1812," one of these Fly Market fishing smacks
engaged and captured the British sloop or tender named the Eagh,
which was prowling around the Hook, seizing all the market-boats
and other small craft that came in her way. The manner in which
this capture was performed is thus described : " The fishing smack,
named the Yankee^ was borrowed of some fishermen at the Fly
Market, in the City of New York, and a calf, a sheep, and a goose
purchased, and secured on deck. Between thirty and forty men,
well armed with muskets, were secreted in the cabin and fore-peak
of the smack. Thus prepared, she stood out to sea, as if going on
a fishing trip to the Banks: three men only being on deck, dressed
in fishermen's apparel, with buflF caps on. The Eagle^ on perceiv-
ing the smack, immediately gave chase, and after coming up with
her, and finding she had live stock on deck, ordered her to go down
to the Commodore, then about five miles distant. The helmsman
answered, 'Aye, aye, sir I' and apparently put up the helm for that
purpose, which brought him alongside of the Iksgle^ not more than
three yards distance. The watch-word, * LatDrence' was then given,
when the armed men rushed on deck from their hiding-places, and
poured into her a volley of musketry, which struck the crew with
dismay, and drove them all down so precipitately into the hold of
the vessel, that they had not time to strike their colors. The
JSbgfe, with the prisoners, was carried to the city, and landed at
Whitehall, amidst the shouts and plaudits of thousands of specta-
tors assembled on the Battery, celebrating the ' Fourth of July,'
1813. Those engaged in this successful affair were Sailing-Master
Percival and several volunteers from the flotilla."
Provisions at that period had become quite scarce and high, and
more especially in the supplies of fish, which many poor families
Vol. I.— 15
Digitized by
Google
226 PL^ MARKET.
had previously, through the summer season, almost exclusively lived
upon. A remarkable circumstance occurred in the fall of 1813,
which tended to relieve them for several weeks ; and is thus noticed
in the press : " Since the interruption of our accustomed supplies of
fish from the eastern coast, by the British blockaders, the want is
in a great measure provided for by remarkable quantities of chub or
small mackerel, with which the New York markets abound. They
are taken in nets, in the head of Long Island Sound, in such great
numbers, that 72,000, we are told, were caught at one haul a few
days since. Such an abundance of this species of fish has never
been known in this country since a similar occurrence during the
Revolutionary War."* I am told that the rivers, inlets, and creeks
in and around the harbor of New York, and more especially along
the East River shores, were so well stocked with these fish, that
they were taken by thousands, with little trouble ; and the com-
mon price for them in the markets was "a shilling a dozen."
The few regular butchers which were "permitted" in the country
part of this market had from time to time extended or otherwise
encroached on the market space, to suit themselves, without consult-
ing the Clerk or Committee. In consequence of this, the Board, on
the 17th of April, 1809, passed a resolution, " That persons having
permits to sell small meats in the lower or country market, arc
hereby directed to use, in future, instead of their present stalls,
benches of such form and dimensions as the Deputy Clerk may
direct."
The troubles and duties of the Clerk, John Minuse, are also
noted in another form, with some of these occupants. On the 3d
of September, 1810, the Clerk complains of an individual, whom
we shall call Charles Conlin, to the authorities, and says : " Mr.
Charles Conlin, a permitted butcher in the Fly Market, has been
guilty of giving in false returns, ((^ the number of animals he
killed J which I have detected several times, and he won't refrain ;
he says that he don^t care about it, for he will cheat whenever he can;
and if they turn him out of the market, he can sell meat wherever
he pleases." A resolution passed revoking Conlin's permit. About
a week after, Conlin presented a petition, in which he says: " That
for the last four years past he has sold meat by the quarter in the
lower market, and was a few days ago deprived of his license, on
account of some person having informed the Clerk that he had not
given in a true account of the meat sold ; which conduct he is sin*
cerely sorry for," and wishes to be restored.
The Market Committee, after hearing the case, on the 15th of the
* National InteUigenoer, October 23, ISia.
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 227
same month reported on the facts as were presented : " That the day
on which the petitioner was complained of, he killed eighteen sheep;
ten of which were sold in the market, and the market fees regularly
accounted for; of the remaining eight, three were placed in the
market in a basket, covered, where they remained not more than
half an hour, when they were sent to a Mrs. McE's boarding-house,
and sold to her for one ehiUing the quarter. C Cheap meat for
boarders r J They were never offered for sale in the market, it
being the practice of the petitioner, at different times, to send his
meat of such poor quality to the above-mentioned boarding-house.
The remaining five were never taken out of the marke^cart, but
were sent to Mr. Winship, for the supply of the Navy- Yard and
frigate at the Wallabout," The petitioner being a man of family,
and of respectable connections, the Committee recommended to the
Board "to pardon his offence, and restore to him his license;"
which was done.
Another case took place at this market in the early part of next
year, for an infringement of the market law. It appears that the
Clerk complained of John Miller for forestalling, Ac, but he repre-
sented that he had a permission from the Alderman to make such
sales. He was summoned for trial before Justice Henry Meigs, who
reported on his case as follows : " It appeared to me, in the trial of
the cause mentioned in the preceding petition, that although the de-
fendant, John Miller, was without a legal authority to sell, as
charged against him, yet he must have considered himself justly au-
thorized, by virtue of the permit mentioned ; and that he has not,
therefoi-c, willfully infringed the ordinance regulating public mar-
b^ts. March 18, 1811, H. Meigs, As^'t Justice of the First Ward."
This country market was a continual source of trouble not only
to the citizens and regular butchers, but to the " Board," which
usually took place after a change of officers and their different par-
ties. New committees came into power with new ideas and wants,
many of which were not practical, being either too stringent, or
tinctured too strongly of free trade, to be suitable for the protection
of the citizens.
Laws were passed and rescinded, and licenses and permits were
given to favorites by one party, to be taken away by the other. This
state of things had originated and grown with those parties ; and
now (1858) they have so much enlarged and perfected on that danc-
ing-in and dancing-out system of government, that the clever, honest
people **pay the piper" any amount demanded, as naturally and
faithfully as if they had agreed with them on prices to be named
after their election. This is not all : these parties have continually
Digitized by
Google
228 ^^^ MARKET.
added to their numbers ; many an honest, independent-minded man,
through his necessities and wants, which actually have been driven
into their destructive and detested ranks, taken from them their in-
dependence and self-respect, to be at last turned into the pot-house
brawler, drunkard, liar, perjurer, thief, dc, dc, dec; or if he has
been successful of this world's goods, through rascality, pecula-
tion, or collusion, he assumes the model man in conversation ordy,
loudly condemning those who attempt to mount the same ladder
which carried him above the level, high upon the aristocratic throne
of fashion and worldliness.
But I have strayed from the subject I had intended to introduce,
which were two resolutions offered to the Board by the Market Com-
mittee, December 8th, 1817. The first reads: ^* Besdved, That the
Clerk of the Common Council be directed to make a register of the
stalls held by the butchers in the several markets of this city ; and
that for this purpose, the several butchers holding stands be direct-
ed to make return to the Deputy Clerks of the respective markets
of the number of stalls they hold, and that the butchers renew their
licenses in the month of April in each year, for the better regulation
of the markets.
'^ Resolved, That all butchers holding permits from this Board be
required to report on or before the first day of January next, as all
permits will after that date be considered void, unless renewed by
the Corporation."
Many of the old permit and ** Shirk Butchers," who had been per-
mitted to stand in this market for many years, considered they were
not called upon to renew their privileges, and failed, or would not
obey the last resolution. The Clerk complained of them, and they
were suspended, along with several others, who almost daily smug-
gled themselves in against the law. Among the most noted *' Shirk
Butchers," who petitioned in the month of August, 1818, to be "re-
stored to that privilege," was Jacob Patchen, Jesse Coope, and
Israel Reynolds. Their petition was referred to a committee, who,
on the 7th of September following, reported that " The small meats
brought to the loioer market are, with very few exceptions, just bought
by the persons offering them for sale, or the animals are sent them
by some persons residing a few miles in the country to sell on com-
mission, or as pretended agents for the owner, to the great detriment
of our own butchers, who are restricted to a public stand. The
system now pursued, it is a rare thing to see a farmer in the market
with meats, Ac, of his own raising ; the truth is, that nearly, if not all,
these agents are butchers or hucksters in disguise. The Committee
cannot perceive the propriety of permitting the market thus to
Digitized by
Google
FLT MAtlKET. 229
be occupied to the exclnsion of our own citizens, who are regular
butchers and subject to taxation." This petition was denied, and an
ordinance was ordered to be reported on the subject accordingly.
About this period died, at a great age, a yerj venerable and most
eccentric man, known to many of our citizens who visited this mar-
ket; some of whom even at this day remember *' Johnny Day," or
rather he was more generally known — some say from ten to twenty
years — under the affectionate and familiar name of Old Johnny."
His appearance was that of an old salt or broken-down sailor, al-
ways noted for wearing a dirty pair of patched duck trowsers; a
once blue, short monkey-jacket ; a slouched tarpaulin for head cover-
ing, and on his feet a pair of old stout shoes, which had been pf etty
well worn and patched before they came into his possession.
His history no doubt was one full of events, and of a character
somewhat strange as well as romantic. His daily habits and man-
ners, however, appeared somewhat like his wardrobe, and were quite
as eccentric. Long before the sun peeped over the Long Island
liills, every morning found him at this market waiting the call of
his patrons for any light work or odd jobs they might offer him,
whether to transport a tray of meat, carry a basket of potatoes, or
toddle home after some good housewife with her marketing — ^not
that he was an admirer of the softer sex, or was willing to serve
them, as he seldom spoke to or answered their questions, but re-
ceived their directions and their rewards in dumb show. Previous
to his coming to this market, he said, he had not spoken to a woman
for about sixty years.
This peculiar habit of "Old Johnny" towards the female sex
rendered him not a favorite, and therefore he was rarely employed
by them, although there were one or two old hucksters who could
occasionally prevail upon him to do some little service ; among these
was Mrs. Spicer and If rs. Tallman, who now and then gave him a
cup of warm coffee or other refreshment, after finishing their break-
fiist.
Old Johnny's residence and lodgings were in the cellar of a house
in Banker (Madison) Street, where he went regularly every night to
sleep; but his boarding-house was in and about this old market.
At the commencement of the war of 1812 he was then acknowl-
edged to be over one hundred years of age, although he still retain-
ed the appearance on his visage and gait of the earlier days, when
he first became known here. The only complaint he ever made was
from occasional ** sick turns," no doubt the effect of his extreme age ;
and in one of these, Mrs. Spicer induced him to go and see Mrs.
Brownell, a most benevolent lady, residing on the corner opposite
Digitized by
Google
230 FLY MARKET.
the market, and who was held in high repute for her knowledge as
a medical doctrcss. A few simple remedies applied, with the more
important nourishing diet supplied, soon placed **01d Johnny " in a
position to puraue his usual routine ; in addition to this, it opened
a channel to the old man's heart ; he began to look upon the sex
with a less bilious eye, and with a clearer heart, he began to think
there were some kind, true-hearted women, even in this world ; as^
an acknowledgment of this newly-discovered magnet to his heart
and soul, he was now more than willing to go to the pump a dozen
times a day for water, to carry fire-wood as often into the bouse, or
to do any little or great service within his power for the "Fair Lady/'
as he now and ever after fondly termed her, who had not only acted
as his physician, but now had become his friend. While suffering
in one of these " sick turns," Mr, Brownell, (whom he honored with
the title of "General,") as well as Mrs. B., frequently questioned
him concerning the early history of his life. Johnny was not com-
municative on this matter in the presence of Mr. B., or would only
utter a few exclamatory sentences, and then suddenly stop with a
common expression, " Take care, Johnny — ^you have said enough ;"
then put his wiry fingers to his mouth, close his lips, and so remain
a few moments.
Mrs. B's kindness, however, would occasionally induce him to un-
fold portions of his life's history. " That he once had the honor to
hold the commission of Lieutenant in the British naval service:
that he was engaged to be married to a girl of good family —
young, beautiful, rich, and accomplished ; but, unfortunately, he left
his betrothed in the charge of a supposed friend, who cruelly de-
ceived and slandered him: gained her affections, and married her;
when he afterwards, in a duel, shot him dead, fled from England,
and left all behind." Having gone thus far, he would suddenly ex-
claim, " Take care, Johnny — you have said enough ;" and then re-
main silent, though often followed by two large tears rolling down
his wrinkled face.
This was all that she, by questions put to him, could ever elicit.
Years passed rapidly away, still "Old Johnny" was at his post
and haunts around this market, till about the year 1818, when one
day he was taken suddenly ill in Pearl Street, before the meeting-
house of the Society of Friends; here he had lain some time: the
people pai^scd by unheediugly ; none assisted him ; many supposing
he was a drunken vagabond lying on the side-walk.
Mr. Brownell learned at his store, from some of the pa«»er»*y,
of "Old Johnny's" situation. His wife was informed, and hnmedi*
ately this good Samaritan was on her way, and found ''Old Johnny"
Digitized by
Google
FLY MAEEfiT. 231
almost dead. The seryiccs of an old honest colored man were se-
cured, and the old man was removed carefully to his home, where,
under faithful nursing and the ancient vigor of his constitution, he
soon recovered his usual health and haunts at the market. He first
visited Mrs. Brownell, and kindly thanked her ; at the same time,
he said, in a sort of confidential, mysterious warning, '' Fair lady,
you will never regret this act of kindness. Many passed and pit-
ied me; none, however, but the *Fair Lady' would care for me."
And again he earnestly said, *' The *Pair Lady' shall never regret'
it." " No, Johnny," said Mrs. B., " I never regret doing a deed of
humanity." **No, no, *Fair Lady,' " said Johnny, " I mean — I will
give you all" — and he stopped a moment, to think whether he had
not said enough, but finished with — ** What I have never dared to
touch." Mrs. B. thought no more of this, until Johnny was missing
for several days from the market, when she proceeded up to his un-
derground lodgings, and sure enough, Johnny was there lying upon
his death-bed, as it afterwards proved. He quickly recognized her,
with an expression, " Heaven be thanked for this ! My prayer is
granted. Again I see the * Fair Lady,' to tell her that my time is
short in this world. To my knowledge, I have no relatives, and I
want proper assistance to make a will." Mrs. B. said to him,
** Johnny, what have you to leave, that you should wish to make a
will ?" Johnny turned on his side, with a groan, saying, "There" —
pointing to a couple of very old seaman's chests, which were almost
hidden, from sight by the old sail-cloth, iron, and rough fire-wood —
"There, in those old chests, and a large covered pot, which lies buried
beneath that hearth — all their contents I shall bequeath to you,
* Fair Lady.' I told you you would never regret your kindness to
*01d Johnny Day.'"
Mrs. B. thought these might contain the gatherings of the many
years around the Old Fly Market, and likely not more than enough
to have him decently buried ; but, to satisfy " Old Johnny," the will
was made, and pro|>erly drawn up, by his dictation— recorded in
the Surrogate's oflfice, and dated the 4th day of December, 1819.
However, before "Johnny" died, he wished to disclo.se something,
which appeared to greatly disturb his mind; and to. his colored
nurse he several times, in detached sentences, commenced to unfold
that he knew where " hoards of silver coin, bars of gold and doub-
loons, and jewels of vast value, lie buried — enough to fill twenty
chests like those ; but I cannot, I must not, reveal it now. I will —
I will before I die."
" He had some horror when speaking of it," said his old nurse ;
*' but I believe be intended, and tried to do so, when he was so far
gone that his speech was inaudible." This was about the substance
Digitized by
Google
232
FLY MARKET.
of all that "Old Johnny" oyer reyealed; although there were some
people who thought he had been an old pirate, and that before he
died he made such a confession ; but this was not so, as the old
negro nurse was truth itself.
The will was opened, and in it was found, he had bequeathed all
his property, of all kinds, which proved to be about $35,000, in
solid cash, besides other valuables, to the fair, kind, and Christian
lady, Mrs. Brownell, the mother of the well-known and highly-es-
teemed Judge J. Sherman Brownell, who so honestly inherits those
good qualities once possessed by his parents.
On the 26th of April of this year, (1819,) a return of all the butch-
ers who were licensed was made, when a resolution was passed,
"That they be licensed agreeably to the returns of the Deputy
Clerks of tiie different markets ; and that the price of license be re-
duced to one dddar.^^
Two years after, the Deputy Clerk reported the following for
license:
1. William Pullis.
29. Vacant.
2. Nicholas Steel.
30. William Winter.
3. Matthias Smith.
31. John Whitehead.
4. George Byerson.
32. George Ewen.
5. Vacant.
88. Martin Silber.
6. John Chappel.
84. Harvey Lyon.
7. Vacant.
8. Do.
86. William Warlow.
9. John Bridle.
87. Henry Shop.
10. Vacant.
38. Eliphalet Wheeler.
11. Do.
39. John Norman.
12. Do.
40. Willet Cornell.
13. Do.
41. Andrew C. Wheeler.
14. Thomas Gibbons.
42. Peter Wilt.
15. Vacant.
43. Daniel Burtnett.
16. Zavier Broadway.
44. John Nash.
17. Vacant.
45. Henry Marsh.
18. Do.
46. David Marsh.
19. Do.
47. Edward Patton.
20. John Hyde.
48. William Reynolds.
21. Vacant.
49. Andrew Fisher.
22. Do.
60. John Doughty.
23. John Abeel.
51. William Patton.
24 and 25. Scale and Passage.
52. James Carr.
26. Christian Truss.
53. John Stamler.
27. James Wright.
54. John Perrin.
28. Vac4int.
55. George S. Messerve.
Digitized by
Google
FLT MARKET. 233
56. Christian Stamler. 65. Lanning Ferris.
57. Effingham Marsh. 66. Joseph 0. Bogert.
58. William Messerve. 67. Daniel Winship, Jr.
59. Michael Crawbnek. 68. George Q. Messerve.
60. William Fester. 69. Daniel Winship.
61. Cornelius Schuyler. 70. John Fell.
62. Nat. Underhill. 71. David Seaman.
63. Albert Fisher. 72. George Manolt.
64. Elnathan Underhill.
Many of the stands are found vacant at this period ; and one year
later, more than one-half of the butchers and others had left this
fiunous old market, never more to return.
Biit we are loth yet to part company with this ancient relic of
" by-^ne times," which had lived so long in the history of our city ;
known and fed so many generations of almost all the civilized na-
tions of the world. In childhood it had first appeared with a very
small covering to shelter and accommodate its original visitors, who
daily passed along at a " slow and sure" pace towards it, wearing
huge breeches and pockets capacious enough to contain a week's
stores when in danger of short supplies; and while the trade was
progressing for the season's supplies of kale and cabbage, their old
dingy meerschaum was replenished with that then common tveedj to
be whiffed away in assisting their thinking organs in the prosecu-
tion of a satisfactory bargain. Although many changes of authority,
with rebuildings and additions to the Vley^ yet these old Dutchmen
held fast to their old customs, manners, and language, until time
has found them merged into the English, French, German, with a
few of other nations, to be at last called and known as New Yorkers.
Two years after the war of 1812 had commenced, ^' the scarcity
of specie, and the drains made upon the banks, induced a suspension
of specie payments, which continued until the first Monday in July,
1817. The want of specie and small change for a circulating medium
induced the Corporation to cause to be issued a substitute, in the
shape of paper money, in 6|, 12 J, 25, and 50 cent bills, to the amount
of one hundred thousand dollars; signed by John Pintard, Thomas
Franklin, and William M'Neal; which bills being endowed with
public confidence, passed current in all payments, and facilitated
business.'**
These Corporation bills, however, were not sufficient for the usual
wants, and many tradesmen also issued their own bills ; but glad
enough were all classes when the time was approaching for the gen-
eral use of specie again. The butchers and all others who stood in
the markets promised, through the *' Press," to sell '* for one week
• Goodrich's PIctare of K. T., p. 102.
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET.
tiodve per cent, cheaper than they have done," by way of welcoming
the recommencement of the silver age. ** Silver is silver — ^and chaff
is chaff/' said they.
The city soon after became flooded with the bills of the country
banks, which at that period stood upon very slender foundations ;
some of which were every few weeks or months stopping specie pay-
ments or closing for a period; then with their agents buying up
their bills for 25 or 50 cents on a dollar, while others stopped en-
tirely, and defrauding thousands of poor mechanics and others. In
1819 it had become so intolerable that a large meeting of the butch-
ers of this city was held on Tuesday, 22d June of that year, at which
they passed several resolutions ; one of which was, ** That after the
30th instant they will receive no country bank-notes that are be-
low par in New York."
In the mean time provisions of all kinds had become scarce and
high, and so continued for several years. The prices of cattle varied
from 10 to 15 dollars per cwt. from 1814 to 1820, Meat at retail
sold as high as 2s. 6d. per pound, and even '^ rough-fat " sold at 16
to 18 pence per pound. In 1815 the milkmen come out in the press
and state, that " in consequence of the high price of fodder, the milk-
men, after the 1st of December, have agreed to charge a shilling a
quart for milk."*
In the month of January following, '* Hickory wood sold at 23
dollars per cord ; oak, fifteen — the severe frost having cut off all
supplies ;" and in the same month of the next year, " Flour sells for
$16 per barrel, and a further advance is apprehended."
The February following, "A vessel has lately arrived from Bel-
fast with 562 firkins of butter, 200 of lard, 50 barrels of beef, 54 do.
of pork, and a quantity of potatoes ;" and in the month of December
following, the "Gazette" states: " If there are any hogs yet remain-
ing in the country, now is the time to bring them to the New York
markets, as the price is from ten to eleven dollars a hundred, which
has most of this season been their current prices."t
The number of animals killed and exposed for sale in this market
during the months of January, February, March, and April, in the
year 1816, was reported as follows:
Shoep.
CaUle.
Calves.
Hoge.
January, -
1,544
671
225
220
Febrnary,
- 1,066
572
485
158
March,
554
569
1.164
157
April, -
501
463
1,948
134
Total, - 3,665
* Gazette, November 30.
2,275 3,822 669
t December 12, 1817.
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 235
In the year 1818 another report shows all the animals sold at the
four principal markets, from January Ist to September 30, 1818 :
Cattle Calves. Sheep. Hoga
Ply Market, - 4,402 9,105 19,154 1,725
Washington, - - 3,168 5,539 14,412 605
Catharine, - 3,616 5,210 14,384 332
Centre, ... 617 1,186 4,857 60
Total, • 11,913 21,040 52,307 2,722
" The above is a tme copy of the returns of the Deputy Clerks of
the different markets/'
The subject of removing this market-place from Maiden Lane had
begun several years before it was accomplished.
Petitions for and against it were presented at intervals; some
said: *'It was an unfit place, being over a sewer, which in the sum-
mer-time is considered very unhealthy ; that it blocked up the street,
80 much so, that mercantile business was partially stopped." And
others, again, " Because its trade was decreasing f and no doubt this
latter was the greatest cause, as the new Washington Market was
beginning to be the attraction, both for the country people on the
North River side, and great numbers of our citizens. In Janu-
ary, 1816, a committee reported on the expediency of removing it^
and ''that the ground at Beekman's Slip, Front Street, Crane's
Wharf, and East River, should be the site fixed upon;" which was
adopted, (by a vote of 12 to 5,)* but not carried out at this period;
and no doubt the cause was, that more opposition had been made to
it than had been expected, especially from the press. The Gazette,
August 19, 1819, has rather a sensible " communication " upon the
subject, which says : " The public mind has been long occupied with
the question — Ought the Fly Market to be removed? The question
appears to be at rest by a resolution passed by our Corporation to
remove it to Crane's Wharf. This resolve has not been put into
execution ; nor, unless my judgment is extremely erroneous, is it at
all likely it will be. Perhaps the question never was discussed with
so much obstinacy as it is at this time in the Common Council.
"The enormous sum required for the completion of the project, the
pressure of the times, the difiSciilticj? with the owners of property,
the advantages to accrue to the Corporation by selling the property
prepared for the market, are urged with vehemence on the one side ;
while the other, with equal warmth, call for its removal by every
consideration of their high and responsible stations as guardians of
the public health, and solicitous for the public good. The present
* N. T. Spectator, January 3.
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET.
Bite of the Fly Market is undoubtedly best suited for the conven-
ience of citizens, as the whole community south of it are supplied
there. The main objection to its present situation is its being so
confined by the adjacent houses as to render it unhealthy, by the
unavoidable collection of filth in a narrow street, and want of a
ft-ee circulation of air."
The Grand Jury, in the following month of September, presented
it as a nuisance, and say in their report, that " this market is built
over a common sewer, conducting the wfliter from Maiden Lane and
the adjoining streets to the East River. The sewer has no cover-
ing under the meat market, between Pearl and Front Streets ; but
the floor of the market, which is loosely laid, is taken up whenever
it is necessary to cleanse it. On the sides of the market are a
number of apertures into this sewer, which a.re receptacles of filth
and garbage from the taverns, fruit-stands, and cook-shops a(^oining
thereto, creating offensive and pestilential matter, and infecting the
atmosphere with the most nauseous vapors at this season of the
year. But although a sense of duty compels the Grand Jury to
present this market as a nuisance, they are pleased to avow that it is
in as cleanly a state as its confined situation will admit, but which
forces on them the conviction that this market ought to be removed
to a site more favorable to cleanliness and comfort. '^
This presentation of the Grand Jury, however, had no effect with
the Market Committee, who, on the following 24th of January, re-
ported against the removal ; and, in answer to the several reasons
urged as causes for the removal of this market, they say : '* Bat
your Committee cannot perceive any unfitness for the public ac^
commodation, or any unhealthiness in the present site of this mar-
ket, nor any other objection to it, that would not apply with nearly
equal, if not greater, force to any other situation. They are also
of opinion that, if this market were removed, the inhabitants of the
southwesterly part of the city would immediately require a new
market to be erected for their accommodation somewhere to the
southward and westward of Maiden Lane. They would then say,
and with great force, that the Oswego Market, the Exchange Mar-
ket, and the Fly Market had all been taken away from them, and
that another ought to be erected for their convenience."
The business, however, decreased so fast, that the butchers in the
Upper Market petition on the 27th of May following, and wish to
be removed to some part of the Lower or Country Market; stating
that "but little business is done in that part of the market." They
followed it up the next year, in the month of February, stating that
they "have several times prayed to be removed; but as their pray-
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARK£T. 237
era have hitherto been in vain, though they have, as they believe,
been foonded in justice and equity, they have bowed in silent sor-
row to your honored will. ' But as they are now encouraged by
many of their much respected and sympathetic brethren in the
Lower Market^ who will make a voluntary sacrifice of personal in-
terest to subserve public good, they appeal with confidence, and
humbly pray that your Honorable Body will be pleased to embrace
the opportunity offered by the late fire, (which destroyed aU the
buildings on the proposed site J of erecting a public market, and that
the butchers at present in Fly Market may be permitted to remove
to and occupy the stands in said market/'
The farmers and other inhabitants of Kings County, L. I., who
attended this market, also " asked to discontinue it." A remon-
strance from several of the property owners and store-keepers was
also at that time presented against its removal ; but the fate of the
Old Fly Market was soon after decided, and the Fulton Market
was ordered to be built.
Before this decision was made, however, an interesting display
took place in the city, part of which pertained to this market. One
of its most prominent butchers, a great friend and co-worker of the
New York County Agricultural Society, purchased a number of
prize cattle at one of their Fairs held at a place called " Mount
Vernon," (but previously known as " Smith's Folly,") at that day a
little above " Cato's," on the East Eiver, (now nearly on a line of
Sixty-first Street,) on the 18th day of March, 1821.
" 'Premium GatUe.^ — ^Twenty best cattle that have ever been ex-
hibited in this city, and which obtained the first premium — rvalue
$100— on the 18th inst., at Mount Vernon, will be offered for sale
on Saturday, the 17th inst., in Fly Market, by the subscriber, assist-
ed by many of his worthy friends, who have, in the most handsome
and generous manner, offered him their services; and he hopes that
his efforts to promote the agricultural interest of this State will
meet the approbation and support of a magnanimous and generous
public. T. Gibbons."*
After these animals had been dressed, an average of 182^ 9>s.
of rough-fat was taken from each animal, and in forty butchers'
carts, handsomely decorated, " was carried through the principal
streets of the ci^;" while "the 'Star-spangled Banner' was dis-
played, and the premiums of silver pitchers, Ac, exhibited in the
first cart.*' Mr. Gibbons announced through the press, " The price
of this beef will be one shilling a pound." A card from the Debt-
ors' Prison announced, on the 19th, " With gratitude, the prisoners
* •'Gftzette," March 16, 1821.
Digitized by
Google
238 FLY MARKET.
in the Debtors' Jail acknowledge the receipt of a plentiful donation
of * Premium Bee{^ from Mr. Gibbons, and the joint Society of
Butchers of the Fly Market/'
The days of the existence of the Old Vlie had become numbered,
and brought the period when the owners of the fourteen stands, pur-
chased in 1796, wanted to know what compensation the Corporation
intended to give them, in lieu of those they intended to take from
them. So they presented their claim in the shape of a petition,
dated 13th December, 1821, "stating that the Corporation, in the
year 1796, caused fourteen new stands in the Fly Market to be sold
at auction ; and that they were purchased by the petitioners, or
those from whom the petitioners have bought them. That they un-
derstood the Corporation intend pulling down and removing said
market; against which they protest, and request that no measures
be taken therein, until a compensation is made to the petitioners for
the loss they will incur by the removal of said market f which was
referred, and no action taken upon it. It, however, brought forth
a resolution, on the 2l8t January following, from their friend,
Alderman Abraham Valentine, "That the voluntary relinquishment
of fourteen butchers to certain stands in Fly Market, which they
claim to have purchased from the Corporation, shall not be con-
strued by the Common Council as invalidating their claims to com-
pensation.'' Which was adopted.
The next morning's (22d) "paper" says: "The Fly Market, or, as
our forefathers used to call it, the VUe, is to be deserted this day.
The bustle commenced yesterday, and many an epicure, who for
years has been habitually fatting upon the good things of the Ply,
will hereafter be gratified by visiting the Pulton Market; and, jj-
though he cannot dispense with his eating habits, he will soon be-
come reconciled to his new and daily visits to the more extensive
one now brought into use."
Several of the butchers continued their business in the market-
house, until the tearing down over their heads drove them out.
Mr. John Seaman (now of stand No. 34, Centre Market,) was at
that time assisting his father, David Seaman, (the occupant of No.
71.) and engaged in making sale of a piece of meat to a captain of
a vessel, and while weighing it, a piece of the roof fell down be-
tween the traders; which soon closed the last sale made in this
once famous old market, after having been established one hundred
and twenty^three years in one place.
This settled the "Old Market-Place," but the claims which the
owners of the 14 stands bought of the Corporation in 1796 were
yet to be settled. With this purpose, on the following 10th day of
Digitized by
Google
FLY MARKET. 289
June, a communication was received by the Counsel of the Board,
stating that George Manolt, David Seaman, and Albert Fisher had
commenced action in the Supreme Court against the Corporation for
the damages which they have sustained by being deprived of their
8talls in the Old Fly Market, in consequence of its being pulled
down. Whereupon the Counsel was directed to enter his appear-
ance for the Corporation, and to defend the suit. It was also re-
ferred to the Law Committee, '* to employ such additional counsel
as they may judge proper."
This suit did not, however, then take place, as there were some
hopes and promises of settling it with the Corporation ; but after
waiting two years, it was agreed that but one should go on, and the
suit was entered in the name of David Seaman against the City, be-
fore the Honorable Samuel R. Betts ; having as Counsel Peter A.
Jay and Thomas A. Emmet for plain tiflFs; and for the Corporation,
M. Ulshoeffer, D. B. Ogden, and William Slosson, Esq., as Counsel.
On the 19th of July, 1824, the Counsel to the Board reported:
"That on the 15th instant, the cause of * Seaman' against the Cor-
poration (one of what are commonly called the butcher causes) was
tried, and on the 16th a verdict was found for plaintiff of $600."
This was followed with a petition from the other plaintiffs on the
25th of October, of which the following is an extract: *'That your
petitioners therefore caused certain suits to be commenced against
the Corporation, supposing that if their title should be once settled
in either of these suits, the Corporation would no longer contest
their claim to compensation ; that one of these suits was tried on the
16th of July last, when a verdict was found against the Corpora-
tion. On this verdict judgment has been rendered — ^no exception
was taken to the charge of the judge, which was not favorable to
your petitioners — ^no motion has been made for a new trial — ^no writ
of error has been brought, but the Counsel for the Corporation have
acquiesced in this decision. Your petitioners therefore suppose that
the question of titles may be considered as no longer in controversy,
and that the amount of compensation due to your petitioners respect-
ively only remains to be ascertained. It appear^ to your petitioners,
that in this state of affairs, it cannot be necessary or desirable to in-
crease expense by protracted litigation, but that an amicable ar-
rangement may now be made."
This subject came before the Finance Committee, who reported
on the following 22d of November, which concludes in these words:
"On the trial of one of these suits, a verdict of $600 was found for
the plaintiff, and under all the circumstances of that case, your Com-
mittee did not deem it advisable to recommend any further defence
Digitized by
Google
240 PI'Y MARKET.
in those suits ; since that trial, the petition now reported on was
presented to the Board, and referred to your Committee, and they
have had interviews with the petitioners and their Counsel, Peter
A. Jay, Esq., and have treated respecting an amicable settlement of
the matters in question.
*'The result is, that your Committee have concluded to recommend
to the Board to allow to the petitioners the amount paid for the
stalls which they held at the time the market was pulled down, to-
gether with the interest from that time to the present.
'^And the petitioners have agreed to accept this compensation,
together with their expenses; which also your Committee have
agreed should be allowed to them. Your Committee have been in-
duced to recommend this liberal settlement towards the petitioners,
not only because of the verdict of the jury before referred to, but prin-
cipally from the peculiar hardship of the case of some of the peti-
tioners, who paid very large sums of money for these stalls to others
from whom they purchased, and not long before the market was
pulled down. It is true that this Board have not been parties to
these transfers in but few instances ; and in none, as your Commi^
tee believe, also, they ever countenanced the idea that the purchaser
was to hold beyond the life of the original purchaser by auction.
But these are questions that your Committee do not mean to enlarge
upon; they have met the claimants in a spirit of liberality and
amity, and have concluded to recommend a compromise to the
Board, as before stated, and with the express understanding on both
sides that, in case this proposition should not be accepted by the
Board, neither this report, nor such proposition, nor anything that
has taken place in regard thereto, shall be considered as prejudging
any right on either side. The case of Seaman being disposed of as
above stated, the claims of thirteen of the stalls in question alone
remain ; and the annexed statement shows the numbers of the stalls
sold at auction, which the petitioners either bought then or pur-
chased since ; it also shows the names of the petitioners ; the amount
paid for each stall; the amount of interest on each sum; the total
of each claim ; and adding the expenses agreed to be allowed as be-
fore stated, it makes a total sum of $10,272.46.
" Your Committee therefore offers for the consideration of the
Board the following resolution :
''Besdved, That in case all the petitioners shall, on or before the
next meeting of this Board, make and execute a proper release or
releases in the premises, which shall be considered sufficient by the
Finance Committee, (who may require security in any instance that
they may think proper,) the Comptroller shall report a warrant in
Digitized by
Google
PLY MARKET.
241
fkvor of Peter A. Jay, Esq., for the total sam above named; and
which shall be delivered to Mr. Jay on his delivering to the Comp-
troller the said release and his receipt for the amounts." Signed,
Reuben Munson, William H. Ireland, Henry J. Wycoff, and William
Burtsell.
The "Board'' approved the report, adopted the resolution, and
the whole was acceded to by all the petitioners who represented these
various stands at this date, as follows :
Na Names.
59. William Foster, -
60. Michael Crawbuck,
61. Cornelius Schuyler,
62. Nath. Underbill,
63. Albert Fisher, -
64. Elnathan Underhill,
65. Lanning Ferris, -
66. Joseph 0. Bogart,
67. Daniel Winship, Jr.
68. George Messerve,
Daniel Winship, -
John Pell, - - -
David Seaman, -
George Manolt, -
69.
70.
71.
72.
C<»tiii£.
Int.
iDterat
Total
•X200
$500 00
1100 62
$600 62
- 210
525 00
105 65
630 65
- 175
487 50
88 04
525 54
- 150
376 00
75 47
450 47
- 180
450 00
90 57
540 57
- 280
700 00
140 88
840 88
- 165
412 50
83 25
495 52
- 310
775 00
155 85
930 85
- 170
425 00
85 53
510 53
• 320
800 00
161 00
961 00
- 205
512 50
103 15
615 65
- 285
712 50
143 40
855 90
- (Test
case at law settled.)
• 530
1,325 00
266 65
1,591 65
For expenses, taxes, costs, Ac, allowed,
Settlement for the whole amount.
$9,549 83
- - 722 63
- $10,272 46
Thus terminated the career of the once famous " Old Fly Market ;"
but many old citizens and merchants near it had become so partial
to the name, that they continued to use it even after the last vestige
of the old nmrket-house had disappeared. An old and a well-known
highly respected firm, yet in existence, at that period says in an ad-
vertisement: "Just published by E. & Q. W. Blunt, No. 147 Fly
Market, a Chart of the Harbor of New York, with the Coasts of Long
Island and New Jersey, from Fire Island to Barnegat Inlet, Ac.*"
In concluding the history of this market-place, we may say that,
while in existence, it could claim the merit of being the best, and
most liberally supplied with all the various articles used for human
food, in the United States.
Vol. L— 16
' American, Deeember IS, 1823.
Digitized by
Google
242 MEAL OR WALL STREET MARKET.
"MEAL OR WALL STREET MARKET."
On the 4th day of October, 1709, " the inhabitants of the East
Ward piititioned for liberty to erect a market-house at the south
end of Clark's Slip, at the east end of Wall Street;" and permission
was granted to them " to erect the same at their own charge, pro-
vided it be finished within two years from date."
For more than fifty years previous, a noted tavern had been kept
near where this market was to be established, which appears to have
been the resort of country people from Long Island, who usually put
up here when visiting the city. It was the first house inside of the
wall or city gate, which opened on the present line of Pearl Street.
This tavern was established by Daniel Litschoe, who died about the
year 1660, when his widow continued the business for a number of
years ; but having become advanced in life, she sold her property to
the Jew butcher, Asser Levy, who continued it,* and (with his part-
ner, Gerrit Jansen Roos,) he also kept the neighboring ** Public
Slaughter-House." After that period, there appears to have been a
noted public-house kept near the same place. The old Coffee-House
afterwards became famous, which was followed by the celebrated
" Tontine," both being in that vicinity.
This market-place, soon after its erection, became rather a favor-
ite place for the merchants to meet to transact their business, and it
has not lost its character yet on that point; the only difference is a
slight change In the business. In the " olden time," " all negro and
Indian slaves that are let out to hire, within this city, do take up
their standing in order to be hired at the marke^house at the Wall
Street Slip, until such time as they are hired, whereby all persona
may know where to hire slaves as their occasion shall require, and
all masters discover where their slaves are so hired ;"t and now a very
large business is done there with the products of slave labor.
At that early period the masters, when they had no work for their
slaves, (many of whom were Indians,) sent them to this market-place,
where they were obliged to wait during business hours until hired,
which would sometimes be by the day, week, or month ; however,
they were occasionally a great deal of trouble to their masters and
employers, no doubt in consequence of ill-treatment, neglect, and
being improperly cared for ; and, of course, the slaves were usually
• Valentine. f Records. November 30, 1711
Digitized by
Google
MEAL OR WALL STREET MARKET. 243
laasy, vicioiiB, fhievish, and at times revengeful, although many strin-
gent orders and laws were made to keep them in order. As early
as 1690 they were not allowed to cross the ferry either way, as it
was "Ordered that the fferryman shall not bringe or sett over any
negroes or slaves uppon the Sabbath daye without a tickett from
their masters."
In 1706 Gk>vemor Cornbury issued the following proclamation:
" Whereas, I am informed that several negroes in Kings County
have assembled themselves in a riotous manner, which, if not pre-
vented, may prove of ill consequence : You, the Justice of the Peace
in the said county, are hereby required and commanded to take all
proper methods for the seizing and apprehending all such negroes as
shall be found to be assembled in such manner as aforesaid, or have
run away or absconded from their masters or owners, whereby there
may be reasons to suspect them of ill practices or designs, and to
secure them in safe custody ; and if any of them refuse to submit,
then i^Jire upon them, hiU or destroy them, if they cannot otherwise
be taken ; and for so doing this shall be your sufficient warrant.
Given under my hand, at F(yrt Ann, the 22d day of July, 1706.
" COBNBUBY."
Then we find, in the year 1712, a great excitement was made
among the citizens in consequence of a conspiracy or rising of the
negro slaves in this city. Horsmanden says : "On the 7th of April,
about one or two o'clock in the morning, the house of Peter Van
Tilburgh was set on fire by the negroes, who being armed with guns,
knives, Ac, killed and wounded several white people as they were
coming to assist in extinguishing the flames. Notice thereof being
soon carried to the fort, His Excellency, Governor Hunter, ordered
a cannon to be fired from the ramparts to alarm the town, and de-
tached a party of soldiers to the fire, at whose appearance those vil-
lains immediately fled, and made their way out of town as fast as they
could, to hide themselves in the woods and swamps. In their flight
they also killed and wounded several white people ; but being close-
ly pursued, some concealed themselves in barns, and others sheltered
in the swamps or woods, which being surrounded and strictly guard-
ed till the morning, many of them were then taken. Some, finding
no way for their escape, shot themselves. The end of it was, that after
these foolish wretches had murdered eight or ten white people, and
some of the confederates had been their own executioners, nineteen
more of them were apprehended, brought npon their trials for a
conspiracy to murder the people, Ac, and were convicted and exe-
cuted; and several more that turned evidence were transported."
Governor Hunter, in a letter dated June 12, (same year,) to the
Digitized by
Google
244 MEAL OB WALL STBEfiX MARKET.
" Lords of Trade/' gives the following particulars eoncenung it:
" I mast now give your lordships an aocoont of a bloody conspiracy
of some of the slaves of this place to destroy as many inhabitants
as they could. It was put in execution in this manner: Wh^n
they had resolved to revenge themselves for some hard usage they
apprehended to have received from their masters, (for I can find no
other cause,) they agreed to meet in the orchard of Mr. Crook, the
middle of the town ; some provided with fire-arms, some with swords,
and others with knives and hatchets; this was the sixth day of
April ; the time of meeting was about twelve or one o'clock in the
night ; when about three-and-twenty of them were got togeather, one
Coffee and negro slave of one Van Tilburgh set fire to an out-house
of his master's, and then repairing to the place where the rest were,
they all sallyed out-togeather w^^ their arms, and marched to the
fire; by this time the noise of fire spreeding through the town, the
people began to flock to it; upon the approach of severall, the slaves
fired and killed them ; the noise of the guns gave the allarm, and
some escaping their shot, soon published the cause of the fire, whidi
was the reason that not above nine Christians were killed, and
about five or six wounded ; upon the first notice, which was very
soon after the mischief was begun, I ordered a detachment from the
Fort, (Oeorge,) under a proper officer, to march agltinst them, but the
slaves made their retreat into the woods, by the favour of the night;
having ordered centries the next day in the most proper places on
the Island to prevent their escape, I caused the day following the
militia of this town and of the County of Westchester to drive the
island, and by this means and strict searches in the town, we found
all that put the design in execution ; six of these having first laid vio-
lent hands upon themselves, the rest were forthwith brought to their
tryal before y^ Justices of this place, who are authorized by act of
Assembly to hold a court in such cases. In that court were twenty*
seven condemned, whereof twenty-one were executed, one being a
woman with child, her execution by that meanes suspended ; some
were burnt, others hanged, one broke on the wheel, and one hung
a live in chains in the town. One Mars, a negro man slave to
one Mr. Regnier, was twice indicts and ttoice tryed, and again ac-
quitted, but not discharged ; and being a third time presented, was
transferred to the Supream Court, and there tryed and convicted on
y^ same evidence on his two former tryals: this prosecution was car-
ryed on to gratify some private pique of Mr. Bickley's against Mr,
Begnier, a gentleman of his own profession, which appearing so par*
tial, and the evidence being represented to me as very defective,
and being wholly acquitted of ever having known anything of the
Digitized by
Google
MEAL OB WALL STREET MARKET. 245
eonspirracj by the negroe witnesses, I thought fit to reprieve him till
Her Miyestie's pleasure be known therein."*
The ''City Records" also show some of the particulars, and the
punishments awarded to a few of the culprits, of which the follow-
ing are among the most prominent who were tried and convicted :
Clause^ the slave of Allen Jarrott, with Qnacoo, slave of Abraham
Provoost, and Sam, slave of Peter Fauconieier ; also Robin, who
stabbed his master, Adrian Hoghlandt, in the back, and killed him :
all were convicted of murder, but their mode of punishment appears
quite different. Clause was ''broke upon a wheel." Bobin was
hung in chains alive, and " so continue without any sustenance until
he be dead." Quacco was burnt, and Sam was hung. Nicholas
Rosevelt also had a slave named Tom, who was " burned with a
slow fire until he be dead and consumed to ashes," as was also Ruth
Shepard's Tunis. Ephraim Pierson, a "constable of the watch,"
was badly wounded by Jacob Regnier's Mars: his punishment was
to " be stripped from the middle upwards and tyed to the tail of a
cart, at the City Hall, and be drawn from thence to the Broadway,
and from thence to the Custom-House ; thence to Wall Street, and
from thence to the City Hall again ; and that he be whipped upon
the naked back, ten lashes att the corner of every street he shall
pass,^nd that he afterwards be discharged from his imprisonment,
paying his fees, <!kc."
The Sheriff, Francis Harrison, Esq., was ordered to be paid £36
lOs. for cost of " iron-work, gibbets, cartage, and laborers, fire-
wood, and other materials and expenses for the execution of sev-
eral negro slaves, for murders by them committed in April last."
Negro slaves, when they suffered death for committing crime,
were not always a total loss to their masters; the authorities were
usually appealed to, through petition, for the amount of a valua-
tion made by persons who no doubt dealt or were in the trayd;
and such valuation was paid by Government.
The following petition on this subject was before the Board Sep-
tember 19, 1719, asking "for payment of a negro belonging to
Hermannus Burgher,blacksmith,who is to suffer death for burglary."
"That your petitioner is a poor, aged, and lame man, and hath
nothing whereby he may sustain himself but the labor of a negro
man slave, named Harry, who is now under sentence of death, and
therefore, as your petitioner hath reason to believe, execution will
be speedily done. But your petitioner being informed that there is
an act of General Assembly in force for allowance of a certain
sum of money to the owners of such slave or slaves as shall be le-
* CoL Hiat, ToL t., p. 34L
Digitized by
Google
246 MEAL OB WALL STBEBT KABKBT.
gaily put to death — he therefore prays he may have the benefit of
the said act; and as in duty bound, &c. Harjcany8 Buoeb."
The value of his slave was referred to the following gentlemen,
who reported as follows : '' We, Alburtus Bosch and Nichlas Maet-
taysan, being desired of Harmanus Burger to vallow the slave
called by the name of Herry, now in prison, are of opinion that he
is worth sixty pounds, if hee was to be bought by any of our trayd:
as witnesses our hands, &c., September 3, 1719.'^
Eight years after, the punishment for passing false bills of credit
is meted out to a couple of individuals in a style which I think
would deter or make such kind of businesd very unfashionable at
the present day. "At a Supreme Court of Judicature held at the
City Hall of the City of New York, the fourth of December, 1727,
were presented for sentence David Wallace and David Willson,
having at the last Court been convicted of a cheat, in passing some
bills of credit of the Province of New Jersey, were now brought
to the bar, and received the following sentence^ viz. : That the said
David Wallace and David Willson do stand in the pillory between
the hours of ten and eleven in the forenoon of the same day, (12th
inst.,) and after that be placed in a cart, so as to be publickly seen,
with halters about their necks, and carted thro' the most publick
streets in this city ; and then be brought to the public Whipping-
Post, and there David Wallis, on his bare back, to receive thirty-
nine stripes, and David Willson twenty-eight stripes. And within
some convenient time after, the Sheriff shall deliver said prisoners
at the Ferry-House in Kings County, and on the third Tuesday in
January next they shall be set on the pillory, and then Wallis to re>
ceive at Flatbush thirty-nine stripes, and Willson twenty-eight.
Then they shall be conveyed to Jamaica, in Queens County, and
there, on the fourth Tuesday in February, to stand on the pillory,
and afterwards each of them to receive the same number of stripes.
Then to be conveyed to Westchester, and there, on the fourth Tues-
day in March, to stand on the pillory, and then at the Whipping-
Post Wallace to receive twenty stripes on the bare back, and
Willson ten. After which, at the end of King's Bridge, they shall
be delivered to the High Sheriff of the City of New York, and from
that time, Wallace to remain in prison six months, and Willson
three months. And then each to be discharged, paying their fees!"
The Laws of 1720 notice this market as the Market-House at
Wall Street Slip; and the "Proceedings" on the 16th of November,
same year, order, "That the neighborhood of the WaU Street
Market-House have liberty to remove the said market-house higher
up into the said street, or repair it where it now stands, at their
Digitized by
Google
HEAL OR WALL STREET MARKET. 247
own proper cost and charge." Six years after, a law was ordained,
that the market-house " commonly called WaU Street Marhet-Hotise
is hereby appointed a public market-place for the sale of all sorts
of com, grain, and meal ; and that from and after the 25th day of
March next, (1726,) no corn, grain, or meal be sold in publick mar-
ket within this city at any other place" but at this market, under a
heavy penalty.
After this period, it became usually known in the " papers' adver-
tisements" as the Meal Market, until it ceased to exist. Lyne's
Map, 1729, marks it down. No. 10, Meat Market; which no doubt
was the printer's mistake, as no cut meat was allowed to be sold in
it until about 1740, when an ordinance was passed, "allowing
country people to cut meat up," and also in the Broadway Market;
which fact is more particularly referred to in the history of that
market,
Bradford's Gazette, 1734, says : " To be sold by John Briggs, at
his shop^ at the corner of the Meal Market, all sorts of Drugs and
Medicines by wholesale." I don't suppose there is at present a
shop in that neighborhood that sells at wholesale, or even one at re-
tail. The " Weekly Post Boy " of 1743 notices their " new printing-
office is removed from Hanover Square to Hunter's Key, (Quay J
about midway between the Old Slip and Meal Market" "The
printer hereof" (" Mercury," April 29, 1754, says,) " is now moved
next door to Mr. Robert 0. Livingston, in Queen (Pearl) Street,
between the Fly and Meal Markets" The same paper. May 6,
notices " European and India Goods — to be sold by Richard Van
Dyck, at his store in Hanover Square, near the Meal Market"
The same paper, March 3, 1760, has — "To be sold at public ven-
due, on Wednesday, the 12th of March inst., a large and convenient
dwelling-house, with the lot of ground thereunto belonging, on the
corner of Wall Street and Queen Street, opposite to the Meal
Market, neare the Merchants' Coffee-House, now in the occupation
of Mr. Daniel Bright."
We look back into the Records in the year 1737, when we find
•* William Cornell " had — " Farmed (or leased) the ferry between
this city and Island of Nassau, (L. LJ and petitioned to amend and
enlarge the market-hotise at Clark's Slip, (then aJt the foot of WaU
Street,) as it is mightily out of repair, and sundry conveniences
wanting for the better landing and preserving the ferry-boats, at
their own cost and charges, with the assistance of such as will con-
tribute to the same." Which privilege was granted.
The year previous, Joseph Reade had repaired this market-house^
at a cost of £28, lOs., lOd., upon which he had received X25, lOs.,
Digitized by
Google
248 MEAL OB WALL STREET MARKET.
8d., "raised by subscription and money receired;'' learing a bal-
ance of X3, 68., 2d., which the Corporation agrees to make up.
William Cornell, on the 15th of May, 1739, petitioned for abate-
ment of rent for the ferry, and pleads, " That he has sustained very
considerable loss by the spreading of the ttmaUrpox, which deters
both strangers and travelers from comeing to town, and the country
people from coming to market as usual. That your petitioner's
family was very soon visited with the said distemper, and by it had
the misfortune to loose tv)o fine negro men^ for which he g^ve one
hundred and ten pounds^ besides a young negro woman, born in his
own family, of great value. That when he first took the ferry, he
ofiered sixty-five pounds per annum rent more than the former ten-
ant had g^ven, and had provided himself with boats, negroes, and
all other conveniences, at a very great charge and expense, in order
to perform his duty and gain a comfortable subsistence for himself
and family, which was all he expected thereby. But as it pleases
Almighty God still to suffer the distemper to spread, and continue
not only in the city, but also in many parts of the country, your
petitioner's loss does daily continue; and unless he be relieved by
the charity of this Board, in an abatement of the great rent be is
to pay, he knows not when or where his losses will end," Ac. The
Board, " upon mature consideration, ordered that the sum of sixty-
five pounds be abated out of this year's rent."
The small-pox was, no doubt, brought into the city the latter part
of the year previous, as the authorities were, in the month of June,
adopting such sanitary regulations as were then proposed, in conse-
quence of the '* fears and apprehensions of the citizens that the
small-pox and malignant feavers being brought into the city from
South Carolina, Barbadoes, Antigua, and other places where the
same diseases of late have been attended with great mortality."
It was ulso stated at a meeting of the Council at *' Fort George,"
27th June, "That the * small-pox ' was pretty rief at South Carolina,
and that a purpled or spotted feaver began to spread there." One
of the pilots for this port was ordered " to be constantly in waiting
at or near Sandy Hook, and go on board all vessels bound hither,
and acquaint all masters that it was the order of the Board, that
before they come within this harbour, they first anchor near Bed-
low's Island, to be examined by Doctor Roelof Eiersted, who was
appointed for that purpose."
This Doctor Kiersted was a descendant of Doctor Hans Kiersted,*
who emigrated from Holland about 1636, and died in the year 1666,
leaving several descendants who have followed his profession. The
• See " Markei-Plaoe »t the Stnod.'*
Digitized by
Google
IfBAL OB WALL 8TRE6T MARKET. 249
well-known and highly-esteemed citizen, Qeneral Henry T. Eiersted,
is also one of the descendants, and one of the oldest and most popn-
lar druggists in the city. For forty years he has kept an excdlent
store on the comer of Broadway and Spring Street, from whence he
lately removed to the corner of Broadway and Forty-sixth Street,
where yet he prepares a valuable ointment from a recipe leSt by his
ancient forefather, Doctor Hans Kiersted.
About this period (1732) the established ferry rates between Long
Island and New York were, " For transporting every person, two-
pence in bills of credit current in this colony; and if after sunset,
douUe that rate. For every horse or beast, one shilling; calf or
hogj/ow-penoe; sheep or lamb, threepcMie; dead hog, threepence;
dead sheep, lamb, or calf, twopence; bushel of grain, one penny. For
every waggon,/i;e ahiUings; for every gammon of bacon, turkey, or
goose, one halfpenny ; and for every hundred of eggs, three egge,^* &c.
interesting scenes are said to have been sometimes enacted at the
ferry; often in the payment of the ferriage. *' Among the rates
fixed was one giving to the ferryman three eggs for every hundred
carried to market, which put the women and girls to no small in-
convenience, in stopping, when on their way to market, to have their
^gs counted ; besides, it must have occasioned no trifling merriment
to travelers, to see the ferryman overhauling the eggs, and arranging
them in rows on the sand, where he and the females occasionally
disputed about the numbers and the amount of duty, which often led
to a second or third counting before the contested point could be
settled.''
The accounts given of the winter of 1739 and '40 describe it as a
severe one, when the farmers on Long Island were ''in so great
want of fodder for their cattle in several places, that 4 cows are
given to have one returned in May ; and that the cold has been f»
severe that even deer, squirrels, and birds have been found froeen
to death. Great quantities of sheep have perished. Wood sold this
day for 40 shillings per cord."
The first regular butcher stands in this market were introduced
in the month of May, 1740, wh«i Oharles Dawson and Isaac Yarian
leased two of them. The principal business done here, however,
was by the country people with their surplus grain, flour, and meal,
which they brought altogether in bags, when, if noiscrid on the flrst
day, the arrangements were so unsatiBliBetory, they were obliged
to store it in the neighboring shops until the next market-day ; and
then, when sold, if the purchasers were not satisfied with the weight,
it must again be carried to these shops and reweighed at an addir
tional cost. This, however, was remedied in the month of Septent-
Digitized by
Google
250 VEAL OR WALL STREET MARKET.
ber, 1740, by the Council, who "Ordered that Mr. John Marschalk
have liberty at his own expense to make such conveniences as he
shall think proper in the meed market^ for storing meal brought to
market there, and providing scales and weights for weighing the
same, and to receive a reasonable reward for storing and weighing
the same."
Another affliction visited the city, both in the summers of 1742
and '43, which was then known as an epidemical distemper or pUzgue^
no doubt the yellow fever. The population of the city was then
about 10,000 inhabitants, and so fatal was it in 1743 that an average
number of deaths, for three months, was 17 weekly, with large num*
bers out of the city. "An account of persons in the City of New
York, from the 25th of July to the 2Sth of September, 1743,'' is
given by the Mayor, John Cruger: " Children 51, grown persons
114, in all 165. From the 26th of September to the 22d of October,
children 16, grown persons 86, in all 52. And do find by the b^st
information I have of the doctors, &c., of this city, that the late dia^
temper is now over."*
The fatality of the " Small-Pox," through the winter of 1742-3,
kept the usual supplies from the city, together with the necessary
wants of the increased number of shipping which visited New York,
caused provisions to advance very much in price. In the month of
February, 1743, a committee was appointed '' to meet such of the
practitioners of the law as they think convenient to desire their
opinion, whether this Corporation can by any law, and in what
manner, prevent persons buying quarters of beef in the markets an^
dapping of the same, which has greatly raised the price of beef to
the inhabitants." A continuation of high prices appears to have
ruled for several years. In fact, when prices are raised from
scarcity, a mere supply will not reduce them ; but it demands a con*
tinuous surplus or glut to bring them down again.
These high prices were again greatly assisted from the long cold
winter of 1746-7, which caused a great scarcity of fuel as well as
provisions. This fact is particularly noticed in the " Press," Feb-
ruary 9th, 1747 : " The deplorable circumstances this city is under
from a long series of cold and freezing weather is matter of conoem
to all ; this now not only hinders our foreign navigation, but occa-
sions our fire-wood to be so scarce and dear as was never equaled
here before; the price being from 40s. to 58s. a cord, and almost
half of the inhabitants in want. Provisions also are excessive dear.
A good turkey, which scarcely ever before exceeded 3s. 6d., has
lately been sold for 5s. ; a fat fowl for 15d. ; a pound of butter for
14d.| and many things proportionable."
* American Magazine, October 24, 1743.
Digitized by
Google
MEAL OR WALL STREET MARKET. 251
For several seasons high prices continued, and this (with the nni-
versal practice, as it is at the present day, of selling '' small meats"
by the quarter, and especially when the quarters are very small and
light ; and also the meat from the large animals by the piece, when
a much smaller-sized piece was given for a sixpence, or a shilling,
than was formerly given,) gave considerable dissatisfaction, and no
doubt caused an addition to the market laws in the month of May,
1749: ''That from and after the first day of April next, no beef,
pork, veal, mutton, and lamb, shall be sold in any of the public mar-
kets of this city by any butcher, country people, or others, in any
other manner than by the pound, under the penalty of ten shilling^
for every offence." The enactment of this law was thought expe-
dient and necessary, in order that the butchers and others might not
plead ignorance for want of information.
But a few months after this law was passed, when the following
was announced through the press: " It must at last give some ideas
of comfort to the poor people of this city, as well as to the honest
trading part, that provisions must soon fall from the exorbitant
price which they have been held at here for upwards of twelve
months past."
The legitimate business of this market-place after 1750 began to
fail, while another had arisen. Mercantile trading, with sales at
vendue almost daily, had begun to encompass it. The *' fast" mer-
chants of that day were springing up, with little or no veneration
for antiquity in any form, (except the almighty dollar with very
plain pillars,) and more especially for this then old market-house,
which stood upon the grounds of their future wealth and prosperity.
Their peculiar looks when the old market-house crossed tiieir obs^
vation, if interpreted into speech, would have been, that its absence
would be more agreeable than its presence. However, it stood
until 1760, when we find Gilbert Outen Bogert and Robert Grobum
were ordered to be paid "forty-three pounds and five-pence in full
for work done and materials found and provided to repair the Meed
Market and the dock and drain."
This repairing, however, did not save it, as a strong petition was
before the Board, February 23, 1762, " from several persons living
near the Meal Market ask for its removal." They state, '' that they
conceive the building called the Meai Market, in the East Ward
of this city, is of no real use or advantage, either to the community
in general, or with the inhabitants living near thereto ; that poultry
and other country produce being generally carried to other markets,
and no provisions are sold in the Meal Market, except by a few
butchers, who might be as well accommodated with standings in
Digitized by
Google
252 FLATTEK BARRACK M ARKET-PLAOE.
other markets in this city. That the said building greatly obstmcts
the agreeable prospect of the East River, which those that live in Wall
Street would otherwise eiyoy — occasions a dirty street, offensive to
the inhabitants on each side, and disagreeable to those who pass and
repass to and from the Goffee-Honse, a place of great resort," Ac.
The Board ordered it to be removed and aflSxed to the " Broadway
Mai-ket," which at this period was generally known as Oswego Mar*
kef; '^and to remove so much of the materials of said market as
will suflSce to make a platform over the common sewer, which would
be uncovered by the removal" of the old building.
FLATTEN BARRACK MARKET-PLACE.
1711. The establishment of this market-place was caused by the
seizure of all the market-houses in the city, except one, {Old Slip,)
to build battoes in, by the order of Governor Hunter, in 1711, when
the English, being then at war with the French, were secretly or*
ganizing an expedition to surprise the French in Canada.
This order was placed before the Board on the 28th of June of
that year ; when they ordered, ** That all the market-houses of this
city (except that at Burger's Path) be set apart for the conveniency
of building the said battoes, and for no other use or service whatso-
ever, until the same be compleat and finished ; any former law, order
or ordinance of this Corporation to the contrary hereof in any wise
notwithstanding."
This deprived the butchers, country people, and the inhabitants
of their usual accommodations for a period ; but their wants were
soon after supplied by the establishment of this then intended tem-
porary market-place, on the following 7th of September, when it
was ''Ordained, that the north end of Broad Street, between the
City Hall of this city and the cross street which goes from the
Broadway to the Dutch Church, be and is hereby appointed, order-
ed, and established a public market-place of this ci^, in as full and
ample manner as other public marke^places of this city," and " the
inhabitants in and about the Broad Street have liberty to erect and
build such stalls and sheds and other convenyences as shall be direct-
ed by the Clerk."
These battoes were flalrbottomed row-boats, and sharp at both
ends. Kalm says, fliey were "made of boards of white pine; the
bottom flat, that they may row the better in shallow water; they
Digitized by
Google
FLATTEN BARRACK MARKET-PLACE. 2Bi
are sharp at both ends, and somewhat higher towards the end than
the middle. They are long, yet not all alike, commonly three and
sometimes fonr fathoms long. The height from Hie bottom to the
top of the board (for the sides stand almost perpendicular) is from
twenty inches to two feet, and the breadth in the middle abont a
yard and six inches."
B^^nlar companies of men were organised to take charge of them,
and for a particular description of the organization of these com*
panics reference may be made to an order from William Shirley,
Esq., General and Commander^in-Ohief of His Majesty's forces, in
the year 1756, which says: ''That the battoemen be formed into
companies of fifty men each, a captain and an assistant ; each com-
pany to take charge and navigate 25 battoes, in the most expedi*
tions and careinl manner they can, in the stations they shall be
placed. Each man to fnmish himself with a good fusee or mnsket,
and three ponnds of snitable baUa. Each captdn to be allowed eight
AiXLinga New Tori currency per day ; each assistant, eix ehUUng$;
and each battoeman^ four shtUinga per day, and to be found in the
provisions according to the allowance of the army, and to be frr*
nished with powder at the expense of the crown.'' They '* are de*
sired to send in their names to Sur John Sinclair, Deputy Quarter-
master^General in New York."*
This market-place appeared to ei\joy no particular name, either
in the laws, records, or "old papers," and its location being in Broad
Street, at tiie head of the Canal, near the foot of ''Yerlettenburgh
Hill," afterwards more generally known as *' Flatten Barrack Hill,"
or Street, I thought it not improper to designate it as the " Flatten
Barrack Market-PlaoeJ^
The Laws of 1720, in noticing all the market-places, say of this:
"At the north end of Broad Street, between the City Hall of this
city and the cross street which leads from the Broadway to the
Dutch Church, be and are hereby appointed one of the publick ma]>
ket-places of this city."
This hill or street is marked on Lyne's Map, 1729, as ** Flatten
Barrack," and at various periods afterwards, with both Verletien-
burgh and Flatten Barrack^ as the two following notices will show.
In an advertisement (N. T. Journal) of a house for sale, in the month
of Marchf 1772: "The neat convenient house and lot of ground at
the comer of Flattenbarrack HiU, near the old City Hall in Broad
Street, occupied by Mr. John Coghill Enapp, (Attorney at Law,)
and subject to the remainder of his lease, three years to come at
May-day next. The rent twenty-nine pounds per year, and the
taxes. A good title will be given by the executors to the estate of
• N. Y. Mmary, Jaonwy 16, 1766.
Digitized by
Google
254 FLATTEN BARRAOR MARKET-PLAGE.
Mary Lashby, deceased.'^ John Jay, on the 3d of January, 1785,
writes to Mayor Duane, and says: "Ab I intend in the spring to
build on the east side of the Broadway, near Verleitenburgh, it is
important for me to know whether the Corporation propose to leave
that street in its present state, or by lowering it, render the streets
leading from it to the river practicable for carriages. The present
condition of the Broadway affords an opportunity for such a regula-
tion which may never offer again, and the proprietors of the lotts in
it, from near the Church (Trinity) to the Bowling Green, are ex-
ceedingly interested in knowing what to expect on that subject, be-
cause their houses ought to be accommodated to whatever plan may
be adopted respecting the street. For my part, I am so fully con-
vinced of the utility of such a regulation, that although my lott lies
on the east side of the street, and I have no water-lotts to be filled
up or benefitted by it, yet I would cheerfully contribute towards de-
fraying any expense that might be occasioned by it. Yours, Ac."
I am told that the name of Flattenbarrack HiU continued until
within the last fifty years; and the Old Boys of New York, when
they happen to meet together in conversation of their youthful pas-
times, will eulogize the glorious sled-rides they ofttimes had down
this once famous hill.
The part of this street running from Broad Street easterly was, at
an early period, known as Garden Alley, Garden Lane, Church
Street, and Garden Street, which at an early period led to Mod-
tayne^s Garden. In 1794 the whole street through, from Broadway
past the Dutch Church, was called Garden Street ; and since the
great fire of 1835, and the erection of the Exchange, it is known as
Exchange Place.
'*The canal in Broad Street went up originally to the hill called
Verlettenburgh, since corrupted to Flattenbarrack HiU; the word
bergh implied a hiU, and verletten meant to stop. The ferry once
there, at the head or stop of tide-water, furnished a means to bring
country folks and marketing from Brooklyn and Gowanus, &o.j up
to the heart of the city,"* or rather to this market-place.
"This ferry-house," says Mr. Rammey, "was on the corner of
Broad Street, at the northeast comer of Garden Street, where flat-
bottomed boats used to come up to from Jersey." " To me," Wat-
son says, " I confess, it seems to have been a singular place for a
ferry ; but as tradition is so general and concurrent, I incline to
think it was so called from its being a resort of country boats com-
ing there to find a central place for their sales. I have heard the
names of certain present rich families whose ancestors were said to
come there with oysters."t
• WatooD, Annals N. Y., p. ISa f Ibid., p. 182.
Digitized by
Google
FLATTEN BARRACK MARKET-PLAGE. 255
^tir. David Grim told his daughter of there having been a market
onoe held at the head of Broad Street. This agrees with what O.
N. Bleecker, Esq., told me, (Watson,) as from his grandmother, who
apoke of a market at Garden Street, which was in effect the same
place/'* No doubt this market-place was pretty well attended with
market (ox) carta, country wagons, Ac. ; and near bj, at the head of
Broad Street, in front of the City Hall, were placed the imple-
ments of corporeal punishment — iiie Whipping-Post^ Pillory ^ and
Stocks — ^where occasionally the citizens assembled to witness the
various punishments on certain individuals. Mr. Ebbets says:
*' He has seen them lead the culprits round the town, whipping
them at the cart-tail."t " They also introduced the wooden horse
as a punishment. The horse was put into the cart-body, and the
criminal set thereon. Mary Price having been the first who had
the infamous distinction, caused the horse ever after to be called
* the horse of Mary Price.' "t Many faahicmcMe ladies of ques-
tionable character at that period gave tiie Public Whipper at times
some delicate trouble, as they then wore unusually large hoops; and
they were also worn by the negro slaves, and many other '* slaves
to &8hion" at various periods, of which the following are instances:
The first symptoms of the "hoop fever" appear to have broken out
in London in the year 1711, when we find the " Spectator/' July
26, uses language quite as broad as the bottoms of the ladies'
dresses, and says: " The fair sex are run into great extravagances.
Their petticoats are blown up into a most enormous concave. The
women give out, in defence of these wide bottoms, that they are
airy, and very proper for the season. Several speculative persons
are of opinion that our sex has of late years been very saucy, and
that the hoop petticoat is made use of to keep us at a distance. A
female who is thus invested in whalebone is sufSciently secured
against the approaches of an ill-bred fellow, and might as well
think of Sir George Etherige's way of making love in a tub, as in
the midst of so many hoops. The first time I saw a lady dressed
in one of these petticoats, I could not forbear blaming her in my own
thoughts for walking abroad when she was so near her time; but
soon recovered myself out of my errour, when I found all the modish
part of the sex as far gone as herself. Should this fashion get
among the ordinary people, our publick ways would be so crowded
that we should want street-room." The " Boston Gazette," in no-
ticing the London news, June 17, 1724, says: "We hear that a
young lady at Guilford, upon some discontent, took a lover's leap
into the river, (Wey,) with a design to cure or drown herself; but
•Wat80D,AiiiMUN.T.,p. 185. \VM. | See Old 8Up Markst
/Google
256 FLATTEN BARBACK MARKET-PL AGE.
her large hoop keeping her above water, and she finding that ele-
ment too cooling and uncourtly, acreao^ out for help, whidi was
presently given her, and she was taken oat alive."* Then the news
from Boston, November 18, 1727, says: ''The late dreadful earth-
quake was felt at Guilford^ in Connecticut Oolony, 160 miles from
this place, where it was so violent that it shook down a chimney,
threw open the door of the minister's house, tolled a bell, removed
blocks in the chimney-comer and a chest about the floor, and shook
the houses to a great degree. The shock lasted about a minute.
A considerable town in this province has been so awakened by this
awful providence^ that the women have generally laid by their hoop
petticoats." t "This great earthquake happened on the 29th of
October, about twenty minutes before eleven in the evening. The
noise was like the roaring of a chimney on fire ; the sea was vio-
lently agitated, and the stone walls and chimneys were thrown
down." "Another great earthquake took place on the 18th of No-
vember, 1755, at fifteen minutes after four in the morning, and con-
tinued about four minutes: walls and chimneys were thrown down,
and clocks stopped." ''On the same day Lisbon was destroyed." t
This earthquake of 1727, although sensibly felt in New York and
other States, did not discourage the continuation of wearing hoops,
and more especially by some of the negro slaves. As late as 1732,
I find one " Martin Jervis advertises his negro woman 'Jenny' as hav-
ing ran away ."§ " She had on when she went away a purpled-colored
peticoat and a drab-colored waistcoat, a blue-and-white striped cot-
ton and linen peticoat, and a yellowish dest^own, roobed with red,
a hooped peUcocUj Ac, and a bag of sundry linen." Some fifty years
after, we fiind the remarks of a dissatisfied individual noticed in the
Gazetteer, (January 4, 1785,) who says: "The article I mean to
take notice of is the hoop, which is so universally worn, that it is
impossible for a person to walk the streets without being frequently
turned out of the way, and exposed to the annoyance of carts,
coaches, Ac. I think some method ought to be taken to check such
an epidemic inconvenience, or to turn it to the public advantage.
With this view, I would advise the Legislature to impose a tax
on all hoop$, which would add to the revenue of the State, and
prevent the lower class from parading the streets enveloped
with a hoop wide enough for a princess."
About the year 1855, in a very fashionable city of Europe, a very
prominent individual again introduced the wearing of %o<^, and it
was strongly hinted that she wore them to cover her figure; but
* August 28, 1724 t Upcott's Golleetioiu.
t History of Lyuk § Weekly Mercury, Phlla., June 11, 1782.
Digitized by
Google
FLATTEN BARRACK MARKET-PLACE. 257
▼hether bo or not, she wore them, and that was enough to set all
the ladies, or rather females, of every description in every civilized
coantry in the universe to wear them. If this be so, it will be with
her pleasure when hoops shall be out of fashion.
Reverting again to this market-place, we find, in the summer and
fall of 1731, the markets were poorly supplied with provisions, in
consequence of the great mortality of the amall-pox. A September
number of the " Boston News Letter" of that year shows this fact,
from a letter written in New York, of which the following is an ex-
tract: '* Here is little or no news in the place ; nothing but the mel-
ancholy scenes of little business, and less money ; the markets begin
to grow very thin ; the small-pox raging violently in town, which,
in a great measure, hinders the country people from supplying this
place with provisions." In the month of September, " 41 out of 69
persons died of the small-pox ; and in the first week of October, 61
died out of 70."
In the " Upcott Collection" of clippings, in the Library of the
New York Historical Society, under date of September 27, 1781,
the following appears : " The small-pox, fever, and flux prevail very
much in this city, and many children die of the said distempers, as
well as grown persons; and the country people are afraid to come
to town, which makes the markets thin, provisions dear, and deadens
all trade; and it goes very hard with the poor, insomuch that a
charitable contribution for them is promoted, and one gentleman has
given 20 pistoles, another £20 towards their relief, and other chari-
ties are thrown in, according to the circumstances of the benefactors."
'* The following is an exact account of the burials in New York
for three weeks, viz., from September 20 to October 11 :
Of the Church of England, 108 Of Presbyterians, - - 5
Of the Dutch Church, - 99 Of Negroes,- - - 80
Of the French Church, - 6 (TotdtJ 248
Of those died of the small-pox, 185
Of all (other) distempers, only .... 68
And for the succeeding fortnight, viz., from October 11 to Octo-
ber 25, 1731, exclusive of negroes:
Of the Church of England, 58 Of Lutherans, - - 2
Of the Dutch Church, - • 66 Of Quakers, • - 1
Of the French Church, - 2 Of Jews, - - - 1
Of Presbyterians, - - - 5 125
" They write that most of these, and of the negroes, who were
bury'd in this fortnight, died likewise of the small-pox. As this dis-
temper, therefore, is so very fatal in most of our colonies on the
continent, where an increase of inhabitants is so very necessary.
Vol. L— 17
Digitized by
Google
258 FLATTEN BARRACK MARKET-PL AOB.
we can't but conceive, notwithstanding the casnistry of some, and
the prejadioes of others, that the practice of innoculation, Bkilfolly
introduced there, woxdd be of uo small benefit to prevent the ravages
made by it, which sometimes depopnlates whole provinces there, and
frequently puts a stop to all. manner of business, both public and
private."
The ''Gmeral Assembly " had previously been driven from their
usual place of meeting, as appears from their proceedings on the Slst
of August, the same year, in consequence of the prevalency of the
small-pox. Their records say: "Upon information giv^ to this
house by some of the members^ rumor were spread that a person is
seized of the small-pox in the very house they now sit; ike mem-
bers who have not had the distemper (being about one-third of the
whole number) are determined not to appear any more in the house
during this session." They '' Resolved, That the house be adjourn-
ed to the said City Hall accordingly."
Near this *' market-place " was built the first engine-house to con-
tain the first two engines used in this dty, which were ordered in
the month of May, 1731, through a committee, " to agree with some
merchant or merchants to send to London for two compleat fire-
engines with suction, and materials thereunto; that the eizes thereof
be of the fourth and sixth sizes of Mr. Newsham's fire^ngines." The
Committee reported in the following month, that they had agreed
with Mr. Stephen De Lancey and John Moore, merchants, at the rate
of one hundred and twenty per cent, on the foot of the invoice, ex-
clusive of commissions and insurance, and that the money be paid
within nine months after the delivery thereof."
After their arrival, a room in the City Hall was temporarily fitted
up to secure them ; and no doubt they were first used at a fire no-
ticed in the " Boston Weekly News," December 7, 1782, from the
news from New York, which states : " Last night, about 12 o'clock,
a fire broke out in. a joyner's house in this city ; it began in the gar*
ret where the people were all asleep, and burnt violently ; but by the
help of the two fire^ngines, which came from London in the ship
Beaver, the fire was extinguished, after having burnt down that
house and damaged the next."
On the 2d of January, 1788, a Committee was' empowered ^ to
employ a person or persons forthwith to put the fire-engines in good
order, and also to agree with proper persons to look after and take
care of the same, that they may be always in good plight and condi-
tion, fitt for present use;" and in the month of April, 1786, instruo^
tions were given to a Committee to ^' cause a convenient house to
be made contiguous to the watch-house in the Broad Street, {which
Digitized by
Google
FLATTEN BA&RACK MARKET-PLAOE. 259
location toaa near this- market-place,) for seeming and well-keeping
the fire-engines of this city f and it was also *' ordered to pay to
Mr. Anthony Lamb or order, the sum of three pounds three shillings
and Mree-pence in full of a quarter of a year's sallary, as overseer
of the fire^ngines, for oil, tallow, and mending an iron hinge for the
use of the said engines, as appears by his account."
After this period fire«ngines were built and on sale here, as we
find: ''A fire-engine that will deliver two hogsheads of water in a
minute, in a continued stream, is to be sold by William Lindsay, the
maker thereof. Enquire at the Fighting Cocks, next door to the
Exchange Goffee-House, New York.''*
The appoinment of members, as well as the curious laws binding
them, soon after took place; but the inefficiency of the power of
these engines is shown when the Trinity Church was on fire in 1753,
from a commwnication in the month of January, which says: ''It
hath more than once been observed that our engines are incapable
of throwing water to such a height as is sometimes necessary. Of
this we had a dreadful instance when the steeple of Trinity Church
took fire. On that occasion, we observed, with universal terror,
that the Engines would scarce deliver the water to the top of the
roof. The spire, however, was far beyond its reach ; and had not
Providence smiled upon the astonishing dexterity and resolution of
a few men, who ascended the steeple within, that splendid and su-
perb edifice had in all probability been reduced to ashes. We are
therefore in want of at least one engine of the largest size, which
throws water about one hundred and seventy feet high.
''Another thing in which our present method of extinguishing
fires is capable of further improvement is this: It is usual for peo-
ple, in case of fire, to form themselves into two lines, the one to con-
vey the full buckets to the engine, and the other to return the empty
ones. Now it frequently happens that when the engine is full, word
is given to ^stop water. ^ This occasions a total cessation in the con-
veyance of more water to the engine, as well as the greatest con-
fusion in the ranks; the consequence of which is, that the engine is
empty before the ranks regain their former regularity, which creates
a considerable intermission in its playing, and gives tiie fire time to
resume its fury, and which, if often repeated, requires a much greater
quantity of water for its total suppression. This inconvenience
might be easily removed by supplying each engine with a large tvh,
of at least the size of an hogshead ; which, being made of cedar,
might be sufficiently strong, and at the same time light enough to be
portable by two men. This vessel ought to be placed near the en-
* N. Y. Gasette, Umj 9, 17S7
Digitized by
Google
260 THURMAN'S SLIP MARKET-PLACE.
gine, and all tluB full buckets to be emptied into it. From this ca^
paciouB tub three or four men might constantly and equally keep
the engine replenished, which would enable it to play an equable
and uniform stream.''*
The success no doubt continued in this market-place, and the in-
habitants near petitioned, on the 4th of May, 1738, "for liberty to
erect a publick market-house, at their own cost and charge, in Broad
Street, between the 'Watch-House' and the dwelling-house of John
Lashby ;" which was granted, and a Committee was appointed " to
stake out the place." This Watch-House was located near the City
Hall, according to the report of a Committee on the 6th of August,
1781, in giving a description of the materials to build the Watch-
House, " at the upper end of the Broad Street, near the City Hall,"
and also from a Map drawn by David Orim, of this city, as it was
in 1742. No doubt the " house and lot " for sale, noticed before, of
Mary Lashby's, was the one here noticed as John Lashby's, at the
corner of Flattenbarrack Street.
I am inclined to think that no market-house was ever erected
here, as we find no notices of it in the laws, advertisements, Ac;
that if used as such after this period, it was principally as a marked
place where country people in their wagons and other vehicles stop-
ped to sell their produce.
THURMAN'S SLIP MARKET-PLAOE.
1733. A PETITION before the Council, on the 6th of April, 1738,
from " divers freeholders and inhabitants of the West Ward of this
city, showeth, that great numbers of farmers and other persons from
the Jersey side and up the North River do frequently land (with
their grain and other provisions for the market) at 'Thurman's
Slip/ which is a very convenient landing, but for want of a public
market-house there, are very often put to considerable expense and
great inconvenience for entering and carrying their goods for sale,
which very much tends to the discouragement of trade in general.
The petitioners humbly pray the leave and lycense of the Board to
erect and build, by voluntary contributions, a public market-house in
some convenient place in said slip." Although their petition was
granted, yet it was not built, as will appear from further proceedings.
* Independent Reflector.
Digitized by
Google
THURMAN'S SLIP MARKET-PLACE. 261
The location of this intended market-place was between the
present Liberty and Coortiandt Streets, on the line of Greenwich
Street, and at that period just above Ellison's Dock. This was the
great landing-place for many years, in fact, until the Grown and
Bear Markets were established, for the market-boats of all sizes,
and on their arrival a great deal of trading in wood, provisions, Ac,
was transacted, which in a measure made it a market-place, although
no market-house was built, nor was it recognized by law.
Professor Ealm, in his Travels, says: *' As he was sailing up the
North River," in the year 1748, " all the afternoon (June 10) we
saw a whole fleet of little boats returning from New York, whither
they had brought provisions and other goods for sale; which, on ac-
count of the extensive commerce of this town, and the great number
of its inhabitants, go off very well." " During eight months of the
year this (Hudson) river is full of yachts and other greater and
lesser vessels, either going to New York or returning from thence,
laden either with inland or foreign goods." "The country people
come to market in New York twice a week, much in the same man-
ner as they do at Philadelphia:* with this difference— that the
markets are here kept in several places."
" The water-melons, which are cultivated near the town, grow
very large ; they are extremely delicious, and are better than in
other parts of North America; though they are planted in the
open fields, and never in a hot-bed. I saw a water-melon at Gov-
ernor Clinton's, in September, 1750, which weighed forty-seven
English pounds^ and at a merchant's in town another of forty-two
pounds weight; however, they were reckoned the biggest ever seen
in this country."
No doubt ihe wealthy baker, John Thurman, who owned consid-
erable property in Crown {Liberty) Street, wished to improve it by
having this market-place established near by. From his petition in
1785, asking for a water-lot in front of one of his on the North River,
he says, " He was in possession of and in a certain messuage and lot
of ground in the West Ward of the City of New York, fronting the
North River, and extending to low-water mark, adjoining to Crown
Street Slip, and lying on the north side thereof, of the breadth of
one hundred and ten feet or thereabouts, and in consideration of the
custom which this Corporation has always been pleased to observe
in granting to the citizens and freeholders of this city the land or
water-lotts fronting the several lotts of land of which they have been
Several years after, Mr. Thurman met with considerable loss here,
• See Philadelpbia lUrkeli, toU IL
Digitized by
Google
262
THUBMAN'S BLIP MARKET-PLACE.
by having tux) lives and his dwelling-house destroyed by fire, whioh
is noticed in the N. Y. Mercury, March 24, 1760, as follows : '' Aboat
11 o'clock, on the night of the 17 th instant, a terrible fire broke out
in the loft of a back kitchen belonging to and adjoining the house
of Mr. John Thurman, at the North River, in this city, occasioned
through the carelessness of a negro wench, by her sticking a candle
to a beam in the loft when she went to put her two children to sleep.
The fire got to a great highth before it was discovered ; soon con-
sumed the kitchen, a store-house contiguous thereto, and Mr. Thur-
man's dwelling-house, with the greater part of his furniture ; but the
flames were prevented from spreading further, though the wind was
pretty high, owing to the activity of the inhabitants. Mr. Thurman's
loss is very considerable; the houses being his own property, as well
as two negro children that perished in the flames."
In the early part of the year 1788, another petition was presented
by divers of Ae freeholders and inhabitants of the West Ward, who
state: "On or about the sixth day of April, 1738, preferred a peti-
tion to the then Common Council, wherein they prayed leave and ly-
cense to erect and build, by voluntary contributions, a public market-
house in some convenient place in ' Thurman's Slip.' It was ordered
the prayer thereof should be granted, and that the then Aldermen
and Assistants of the said ward should direct a public market to be
made and erected in such convenient place thereabout as they should
judge most requisite for the publick good. Your petitioners cannot
assign reason for the neglect of the then Aldermen and Assistants
in not directing a convenient place in the said slip for that purpose.
Thurman's Slip is a very proper place, and hath a very convenient
landing ; that great numbers of country people, as well from Tappaa
and other places up the North River, as from the Jersies, do fre-
quently land there with provisions and other necessaries for the mar»
kets, and we have great reason to believe that much greater num*
bers would frequent and come to it, if proper conveniences were
made and provided for them* Tour petitioners further humbly pr^
sume to beg that a committee may be appointed to direct and ascer-
tain the place in said slip where a publick market-house may be
erected," &c. This was signed by the following persons:
Harmanuis Schuyler, Sarah Lyell, John Thurman,
James Ackland, Ann Huddlest Petrns Rutgers,
Jacobus Stoutenburgh, Elenor Morris, David Abeel,
Evardus Brouwer, Elizabeth Decay, Johannes Brouwer,
Adam King,
Mattys. Rack,
Job Earle,
Benjamin Cain,
John Peers,
Jacob Brouwer,
Johannis Boogert,
Jacobus Montanye,
Harme Stout,
Johani^esVan Orden,
Jacob Hoonik,
James Eenneydy.
Digitized by
Google
BBOADWAT MARKET. 263
A report on fhe above was made on the 12th of April, in the
irords f<dIowiBg: ''We have viewed the said slip and street, and
find the same to be twenty-eight and a half feet wide. Unless the
owners of the land bounding on each eide of the said slip will leave so
mnch land for the use of this Corporation, aecording to a draft made
of the said street and slip signed by ns, and have the same recorded
accordingly, we find no conveniency there to build or erect a mar-
ket-house/' These refusals did not deter the '' neighborhood,^' but
caused them to look about for a new location, whioh they found at
the foot of the street above, which had become, in 1742, known as
Courtlandt Street. So in the month of July of that year, t^ey again
petition, that they "haveing an inclination to build a publick markitt^
house, at their own cost and charge, in a slipp or street called and
known by the name of Oortlandes Street, being in the above said
ward, for flie use of the inhabitants of this city. We humbly pray
your worshipps to grant and release to us, the petitioners, the pre*
velidge for bulding such* markitt-house for the use above said.'' This
was also rejected on the 16th of July following; but thirty years
after the Grown Market was introduced, to which the reader is
referred.
In the year 1764, "Thurman's Dock" was noticed in theN. Y,
Mercury, on the 16th of December, when " W. Wood " says: " The
Albany Post Inll set out on the 17th instant for the Gity of Albany
from Ms house on ThurfMin^a Dock at the North River/' •
"BROADWAY MARKET."
1738. The petition for the erection of a markeMioQse in the
Broadway, near Liberty Street, in 1788, is quite an original in
style, but no doubt it was drawn up to suit the age. It was
brought before the "Board " on the 13th of April of that year, of
which the following appears on record: "Upon a petition which
was presented by the chiefest part of the Inhabitants ^f the West
Ward, and also great numbers of the North Ward, live at a great
distance from any of the publick markett-houses, which makes it
very unconvenient, and occasions a great loss of time for tiiem and
their ifervants to attend the markette for their fiunily provirions;
and as there are great quantities of provisions firequently brought
from Hack^xsack, Tappan^and othi^r parts up tiie North River, as
Digitized by
Google
264 BROADWAY MARKET.
well as from the Ont-Ward. — The petitioners are willing and de-
sirous to erect and build at their own expense a convenient mar-
kett-house for pnblick use — of forty and two feet and twenty-five in
breadth, in the publick street of the Broadway, in the middle of the
same, fronting the street in which his Honor the Chief Justice lives,
and opposite Crown (Liberty) Street — ^to be called the * Broadway
MarkettrHouse;' that the same be a publick markettrplace for all
sorts of Com, Grain, and Meal that may be brought down the
Hudson River, and to be sold at no other marketrplace in this City
except the pnblick Meal Market in Wall Street." It was ordered
that " the prayer of the petitioners be granted, and to be finished
within three months.''
The position of this new market-place attracted all the produce,
such as grain and flour, that came down the North River, as well
as a great deal from Long Island; and those millers and farmers
that came by water from a distance were obliged to have their
slaves to assist them, rowing down to the markets and back, al-
though they always took advantage of the tides. Many of these
slaves brought along their perquisites, which they retailed around
the streets, as it appears they had been in the habit of doing many
years before. This had introduced an illegitimate sort of traffic
with the Indians and many negro slaves of the city, who had spare,
or stolen, time enough to make a little spending-money. It finally
became so grievous to their masters, that a law was passed, in the
month of August, 1740, which provided, "After the ringing of three
bells and proclamation made for silence, was published, ^ A Law to
prohibit Negroes and other Slaves vending Indian Com, Peaches,
or any other Fruit within this City.' Whereas, of late years great
numbers of Negroes, Indians, and Mulattoes, slaves, have made it a
common practice of buying, selling, and exposing to sale, not only
in houses, out-houses, and yards, but likewise on the publick streets,
great quantities of boiled Indian corn, peas, peaches, apples, and
other kind of fruit; which pernicious practice is not only detri*
mental to the masters, mistresses, and owners of such slaves, in re-
gard they absent themselves from their service, but is also produc-
tive of increasing, if not occasions, many and dangerous fevours,
and other distempers and diseases in the inhabitants : Therefore,
Be it enacted and ordained, That any negro, Indian, or mulatto
slave be convicted before the Mayor, Recorder, Ac, of any of the
above acts, shall be publickly whipped at the whipping-post, unless
the master, mistress, shall pay to the person or officer ii^orming of
such offence the sum of six shillings, current money of this Colony:
one-half thereof to such informer, and the other half to the Treas-
urer of this City."
Digitized by
Google
BROADWAY MARKET. 265
Manj of these slaves had become otherwise troublesome, as they
held daily and nightly cabals, forming themselves into parties or
clubs, thieving, &c. Some called themselves ''Free Masons;" oth-
ers after a liquor they were fond of— " Geneva Club;" others
"Smith Ply Boys;" and others, again, as "Long Bridge Boys."
We find their influence extended among the slaves of some parts
of the country, and no doubt this came from the fact that their
landing-place at the North River was near John Hughson's, the
head-quarters, where originated the "great negro plot of 1741."
Hughson's residence was near (the Cooper's, Gerardus,) " Comfort's
Dock," and directly opposite Comfort's house. (The location now
is between Thames and Cedar, on the line of Greenwich Street.)
Near by was the then famous toeU which supplied many of the
citizens with "Comfort's Tea-Water."
Hughson was a shoemaker by trade, says Horsmanden, but "kept
a VQry disorderly house, and sold to and entertained negroes there"
with "playing at dice" — ^frolicking; a witness says, "he saw a
great many of them in a room, dancing to a fiddle, and Hughson's
wife and daughter along with them." His house was open for the
negroes, " and he entertained them at all times ; those diat had no
money, at free cost." He employed " some of the head negroes as
agents under him, to decoy other negroes. Comfort's negro Jack,
one of the captains of these bands of fools, had so well approved
his parts and capacity to Hughson and the rest, that he had a dep-
utation for swearing such converts as he made, either abroad or at
home; and in both cases had great opportunities of caballing with
negroes; for his master was frequently absent from home for sev-
eral weeks together, insomuch that Captain Jack looked upon the
house as his own, and himself as his own master. To this well,
every morning and evening, resorted negroes from all the quarters
of the town, for ' tea-water,' " with whom he introduced this sub-
ject. There is no doubt but some of the country slaves, in their
almost daily visits to the city, while landing so near these head-
quarters, became acquainted with this contemplated conspiracy, as
"many cabals of negroes had been discovered, particularly in
Queens County, on Nassau {alias Long Island.) The negroes had
there formed themselves into a Company about Christmas last; by
way of play or diversion, had mustered and trained with the bor-
rowed arms and accoutrements of their masters." These negroes
were found out, and punished.
Early in the month of May, (1741,) " at Hackensack, in New
Jersey, eight miles from this city, the inhabitants of that place
were alarmed about an hour before day, and presented with a most
Digitized by
Google
286 BH.QADWAT MABKST*
melaneholy and aflfrighting scene I No less than seven barns in
that neighborhood were all in flames; and the fire had got soch
head, that all assistance was in vain; for in a short time they were
bnrnt down to the ground. Two negroes, the one belonging to
Derick Van Hoorn, the other to Albert Van Yoerheise, were sob*
pected to have been guilty of this fact; the former having been
seen coming out of <me of the bams with a gnn laden, who pre*
tended, on being discovered, that he saw the person who had fired
the barns, upon which his masten ordered him to fire at him ; and
the negro thereupon immediately discharged his piece; but no
blood was drawn from any mortal, that could be discovered. The
latter was found at Us master's house loading a gun with two bul*
lets, which he had in his hand ready to put in. Upon these and
other presumptive circumstances and proofs, both negroes were ap*
prehended, and in a few days tried, convicted, and burnt at a stake.
The former confessed he had set fire to three of the bams; the
latter would confess nothing.'' (See "0Zc2 SUp Market:')
This " Tea-Water Well" of Comfort's, as previously noticed, was
somewhat famous, and frequently referred to in Horsmanden's
Great Negro Plot. No doubt its water must have been superior
to all the other public wells, as it was sought after morning and
evenii^, and cairried away in keg^ by the slaves of many of the
principal citiasens, many years before this great n^rp plot took
places
. The famous ''Tea-Water Pt^mp," which still lives in the recoUeo*
tions of some old ;citU5^is, was a different well, or rather a finoi
flowing spring in a well, which no doubt originally assisted in
forming the '' Fresh Water" or " Kolch Pond." This was located
on or about the present northeast comer of Orange and Chatham
Streets. Professor KaJm, while visiting New York in 1748, first
notices this spring^and says: '' There is no good water in the town
itself, but at a little distance there is a large spring of good wa-
ter, which the inhabitants take for their tea, and for the use of the
kitchen." This, no doubt, soon became their chief source of supply
for '^ tea-:water;" and when it began to be carried in hogsheads on
the carts, it was quite necessary to have a sort of engiiie to raise
the wat^r high enoughs to ran into these hogsheads; and no doubt
this mgiw was about the first common pump introduced here.
Montressor, on his Map, (No>. 6,) in the year 1775, notes it as the
'* Fresh-Water Engine, from which the town is supplied." In the
Bevolntioft it is advertised thus; "Proposals in writing will be
received b^the Ye8tiry,,at the Aims-House, on Monday, the 2d of
April, (1781,) flDom snoh peraoins as, may be desirous of renting the
Digitized by
Google
BROADWAY JIABKBT. 267
*Tea*Water Pmnp' for the ensning year."* Three years after,
(1784,) "Abraham Severe committed suicide, who lately occupied
tiie 'Tea-Water Piimp;'"t and about the same period, '^a corre-
spondeBt recommends to the attention of the magistrates a nui-
sance generally complained of in this dry, warm season. A number
of people assembled round the pond (Collect) from whence the tea-
water is raised, and wash their dirty linen. It is unnecessary to
expatiate upon the utility of preventing the continuance of a prac-
tice which has a manifest tendency to affect the health of the inhab-
itants of this city.'^t Then we findr-''Eig^t or nine lots of
ground, (io he sold J of one hundred feet in length, and twenty-fiye
in width, situate behind the Tea-Waier Fump, between that and
the fresh-water pond, /CoOedJ with the buildings thereon — an ex-
cellent stand for a still-house, brew-house, or sugar-house, as there
is the best of water all round it, and it is supposed the Tea-Water
Pump feeds itself throu^^ said lott8."§
Winterbotham, in his general description of New York, written
about the year 1790, also notices the " Tea-Water Pump," as fol-
lows: '*Most of the people are supplied every day with fresh water,
conveyed to their doors in casks, from a spring almost a mile from
the centre of the city. This well is about twenty feet deep, and
four feet (in) diameter. The average quantity drawn daily from
this remarkable well is one hundred and ten hogsheads, of one
hundred and thirty, gallons each. In some hot summer-days two
hundred and sixteen hogsheads have been drawn from it; and what
is very singular, there are never more or less than three feet of
water in the well. The water b sold commonly at three-pence a
hogshead at the pump."
A few years after, the Minerva (December 10, 1796,) states^'' A
report having been in circulation that the water of the 'Tea-Water
Pump' begins to fail, and also, that the proprietor will not allow
any more water to be drawn from it than is absoliitely necessary
for the use of the citizens for tea and drinking, the subscriber begs
leave to contradict the said report, and inform the dtizens. that
notwithstanding the extremely dry season, the source «f the tea^
water has not in the least diminished; and so fiEur from bis vefusing
any demand for water, he hereby i offers the citicms a plentiinl sup-
ply for washing or other family uses. Any order for one or more
hogsheads of water, directing the place where to be delivered, sent
to the inunp, will be immediately attended to. lie price of the
water is 4b. per bogshead, containing 140. gallons*
'' William 0. Thoxpsob/'
• B<7ia Oftietto, Hmh )L . f F«u»> P^ket, July Mi
t M. T. FKkei, Aaguit 19, 1784. § Ibid., Oet ».
Digitized by
Google
268 BROADWAY MARKET.
Two years after, (1798,) the reputation of this tearwater had
become decidedly bad, if we shoald judge by the following article^
which says : ** The New Yorkers have no clear, cool water to slake
the thirst — ^yet they pretend their city water is very pure and nice.
The Collect behind the 'Tea-Water Pump' is a shocking hole,
where all impure things centre together, and engender the worst
of unwholesome productions. The water has grown worse, mani-
festly, within a few years. It is time to look out some other sup-
ply, and discontinue the use of water growing less and less whole-
some every day. Some affect to say the water is very cool and
refreshing. Everybody knows, from experience, the water gets
warm in a few hours, and sometimes almost before it is drawn from
the carter's hogshead. Can you bear to drink it on Sundays in the
summer-time 7 It is so bad before Monday mornings, as to be very
sickly and nauseating; and the larger the city grows, the worse
this evil will be. Already it has been whispered by some vigilant
travelers through our city, that the New Yorkers are like the dog
in the manger — ^they will not provide aqueducts themselves, nor let
anybody else do it. Take the matter into consideration, and re-
solve, every man for himself, to leave no stone unturned to have
this grand object of watering carried through."* It was but a year
or two afterwards when the "Manhattan Water" took its place.
Although this Broadway Market was originally ordained as a meal
market, yet we find, on the 7th of November, 1741, by a Law then .
passed, " giving priviledge to country people to sell or expose to
sale in the Meal Market ( Wall Street) and Broadway Market of
this city, beef, pork, veal, mutton, and lamb by the joint, or by
pieces, cut up the same in pounds or pound pieces, or in great or^
small quantities or parcells, as they shall see convenient — paying
in the same manner and proportion that the butchers are to do."
That is, " for each head of cattle, one shilling ; for every hogg or
shoat brought into or cut out for sale in any of the market-houses,
the same ; and for every sheep, calf, or lamb, two-pence."
The increasing amount of business done here induced the inhab-
itants of the West Ward, in 1745, to ask for " liberty to make fui
addition of twenty-one feet at the north end of the market in
Broadway;" and soon after the like addition was added to the
south end.
No doubt the city was in a prosperous condition at this period,
as many improvements are noticed, especially by Ealm, who says:
'' In size it comes nearest to Boston and Philadelphia; but with re-
ga];d to its fine buildings, its opulence, and extensive commerce, it
. « DaUy AdFertlBer, September 6, 179a
Digitized by
Google
BBOADWAT MABKET. 269
dispates the preference with them/' Of the streets he sajs: "Most
of them are paved, except in high places, where it has been found
useless. In ^e chief streets there are trees planted, which in sum-
mer give them a fine appearance, and during the excessive heat at
that time, afford a cooling shade. I found it extremely pleasant to
walk in the town, for it seemed quite like a garden. Most of the
houses are built of bricks; and are generally strong and neat, and
several stories high. Some had, according to old architecture,
turned the gable end towards the streets; but the new houses were
altered in this respect. Many of the houses had a balcony on the
roof, on which the people used to sit in the evenings, in the summer
season. The roofs are commonly covered with tiles and shingles.
The walls were quite covered with all sorts of drawings and pic-
tures, in small frames. On each side of the chimneys they had
usually a sort of alcove; and the wall under the windows was
wainscoted, and had benches placed near it. The alcoves and all
the wood-work were painted with a bluish-gray color. New York
sends many ships to the West Indies, with flour, com, biscuit, tim-
ber, tuns, boards, flesh, fish, butter, and other provisions ; together
with some of the few fruits that grow here. Many ships go to
Boston, in New England, with corn and flour, and take in exchange
flesh, butter, timber, diffierent sorts of fish, and other articles, which
they carry further to the West Indies.'' "The goods which are ship-
ped to the West Indies are sometimes paid for with ready money,
and sometimes with West India goods, which are either first
brought to New York, or immediately sent to England or Holland.
If a ship does not choose to take in West India goods in its return
to New York, or if nobody will freight it, it often goes to New-
castle, in England, to take in coals for ballast, which, when brought
home, sell for a pretty good price. In many parts of the town
coals are made use of, both for kitchen fires and in rooms, because
they are reckoned cheaper than wood, which at present costs thirty
shillings of New York currency per fathom." "New York has like-
wise some intercourse with South Carolina, to which it sends com,
flour, sugar, rum, and other goods, and takes rice in return, which
is almost the only commodity exported from South Carolina."
"The goods with which the Province of New York trades are not
very numerous. They chiefly export the skins of animals, which
are bought of the Indians about Ostaego; a great quantity of
boards, coming for the most part from Albany ; timber and ready-
made lumber, from that part of the country which lies about the
river Hudson ; and lastly, wheat, flour, barley, oats, and other kinds
of com, which are brought from New Jersey and the cultivated
Digitized by
Google
270 BROADWAY MARKET.
parts of this proyince. I have seen yachts from New Brtinswiek
laden with wheat which lay loose on board, and with floor packed
in tuns; and also with great quantities of linseed. At this time a
bushel of linseed is sold for eight shillings of New York currency,
or exactly a piece of eight. New York likewise exports some flesh
(salted meats) and other proyisions out of its own prorince, but
they are very few ; nor is the quantity of pease, which the people
about Albany bring, much greater."
" There are several churches in the town, which deserve some
attention. 1. The English Church, built in the year 1695, at the
west end of the town, consisting of stone; and has a steeple, with
a bell. 2. The new Dutch Church, (Nassau >&,) which is likewise
built of stone, is pretty large, and is provided with a steeple ; it
also has a clock, which is the ordy one in the town. This church
stands almost due from north to south. In this church there is
neither altar, vestry, choir, sconces, nor paintings. Some trees are
planted around it, which make it look as if it was built in a wood.
3. The old Dutch Church, which is also built of stone. It is not
so large as the new one. It was painted in the inside, though
without any images, and adorned with a small organ, of which
Governor Burnet made fbem a present. The men, for the most
part, sit in the gallery, and the women below. 4. The Pres-
byterian Church, which is a pretty large one, has but lately been
built. It is of stone, and has a steeple and a bell in it.
5. The Oerman Lutheran Church. 6. The Oerman Re^
formed Church. 7. The French Churchy for Protestant refugees.
8. The Quaker Meeting- House. 9. To these may be added the
Jewish Synagogue. There are many Jews settled in New York,
who possess great privileges. They have a synagogue and houses,
and great country-seats of their own property, and are allowed to
keep shops in town. They have likewise several ships, which they
freight, and send out with their own goods. In fine, they enjoy all
the privileges common to the other inhabitants of this town and
province. During my residence in New York this time, and in the
two next years, I was frequently in company with Jews. I was in-
formed, among other things, that these people never boiled any
meat for themselves on Saturday, but that they always did it the
day before ; and that in winter they kept a fire during the whole
Saturday. They commonly eat no pork ; yet I have been told by
several men of credit, that many of them, (especially among the
young Jews,) when traveling, did not make the least difficulty about
eating this, or any other meat that was put before them; even
though they were with Christians. Both men and women were
dressed entirely in the English fashion.^'
Digitized by
Google
BROADWAY MARKBT. 271
We now tarn to the Laws of 1748, and also those of 1762, wherd
we find one of the t's at the end of the word " markett/' which
notices it ^'Broadway Market;" bat the citizens had dropped this
name, and adopted another, manj years before. Aboat the year
1740 the name of '^Oswego" be<»ime one of the most prominent
snbjects before the people, and in their cooncils. The name came
from a great trading-hoose and fortification, which Governor Bar-
net had erected in 1722, at the month of the then Onondagas
Siver, on Lake Ontario. In a speedi made by Gk>T6mor Hnnter
to the '' Honse," April 27, 1741, on tiie war with tiie French, he
says: ''The preservation of Oswego and the fidelity of the Six
Nations (of Indians) is of more conseqnence to the province than
any other thing whatsoever; and if we lose them, no part of the
country will be safe."
Great preparations were made in this city for the defence and
protection of that fortification. Enlistment of soldiers, battoes, pro-
visions, all were mastered together here at intervals, and sent to
the foot of '' Grown Street," which was the general landing and
starting place. Every article prepared for tiie expedition was sent
or directed to the ''Oswego Landing," at the foot of ^'Oswego
Street," and the name soon reached this marke^place, as it were,
by acclamation of the citizens ; the same manner as when Lafayette
landed here in 1825 — everything afterwards had Lafayette prefixed
to it. " To be sold at pnblio vendne, on Wednesday, the 7th of
November next, at 10 o'clock, on the premises, a dwelling-house,
bake-honse, and lott of ground in Grown Street, commonly called
'Oswego Street:'"*
Horsmanden tells us, in his " Negro Plot," of the many valuable
articles to be removed to Hnghson's House: it " was become a mart
of so great note among the negroes, that with them it had obtained
the name of ' Ostoego/ after the province trading-house.' "t
Among the numerous articles sent to the troops in the French
war, at a late period, were enumerated in the "Patriotism of Queens
County ,"t Long Island, dated ''Jamaica^ September 25, 1755. —
This day, 1,015 sheep, collected in three days in this county, were
delivered at New York Ferry, to be sent to Albany hy water,
which were cheerfully given for the use of the army now at or near
Grown Point." " The good mothers, also, in a few hours collected
nearly 70 good large cheeses, and sent them to New York, to be
forwarded with the sheep to the army." Sir William Johnson ac-
knowledges, in the following month, that he had received "69
cheeses and 200 sheep, being a part of 1,000 raised In Queens
* GtMite, Nov. 5, 1759. f P. 359. { Oodeidook'i <• Olden 2tee»," Hirt. UK
Digitized by
Google
272 BROADWAY MARKET.
Goanty as a present to the armj. Though cattle and a few sheep
had been sent by some of the provinces to this troop, yet your
sheep were very seasonable, and highly beneficial. Your oheeses
were highly acceptable and reviving; for, unless among some of
the oflScers, it was food scarcely known among us."
This example induced Suffolk County, also, to send '' 60 head of
fat cattle; of which a yoke of oxen was a special present for the
late famous Hendrickson and his Indian adherents." '* The women
of the county are knitting several large stockings and mittens, to
be sent to the poor soldiers in garrisons."
The name of ''Oswego Market" continued in the "papers," pe-
titions, Ac, in connection with this market, until its final close.
The " N. Y. Mercury," April 29, 1754, notices—*' Beading, writing,
and arithmetic are carefully taught at the corner house, near the
Quaker Meeting-House, in Crown Street, near Oswego Market, by
John Nathan Hutchins." This man was the first idmanac-maker
here, which was a smoky, dingy-looking pamphlet, with a string
tied through the back and top; always found hanging up alongside
of the old fire-place, in company with the bellows, iron-holder, a
goose's wing, and oiYiev fixings belonging to the kitchen of all well-
regulated farm-houses. Then, in the same paper, May 1 — ''Edward
Willet, who lately kept the * Horse and Cart Inn,' in this city, is
removed into the house of the Honorable James De Lancy, Asq.,
Lieutenant-Governor, at the sign of the ' Province Arms,' in the
Broadway, near 'Oswego Market J ^* The "Gazette," April 25,
1763, notices — " Peter T. Curtenius, opposite the Oswego Market,
has, besides hardware, a parcel of the best black wampum (Indian
money) to dispose of." Again, " Mercury," May 28d, 1768— "John
Balthus Dash, tinman, acquaints his customers that he has nioved
from the Oswego Market into the corner house where Nicholas
Stagg formerly lived." Marschalk, on his Map of New York,
(1755,) gives it also the name of Ostoego Market, which had then
become the common one.
Grant Thorburn, in a letter to the Editors of the " Home Jour-
nal," says : " I have just parted with my old neighbor, Mrs. Van
Antwerp, now residing at No. 48 Maiden Lane, in the ninety-first
year of her age. She afilrms that the Oswego Market stood in the
very centre of Broadway. In her young days, her brother, Alder*
man Bogart, known as the best biscuit, tea-cake, and rusk baker in
the city, and who, in past generations, on the west corner of
Cortlandt Street and Broadway ; there he daily fed the hungry, and
yearly gave cookies to the Dutch Church charity scholars." In re-
lation to this market's removal into Maiden Lane, Mr. Thorburn's
evidence is wrong, as will be seen in the following pages.
Digitized by
Google
BBOADWAY MAfiKBT. 273
Prior to 1762, hay waa usnally sold by the wagon, cart-load, or
ludf-Ioad ; and it was found, by experience, the loads were very an*
equal, whidi brought many disputes and controversies between the
boatmen and cartmen, and then, again, by the buyer and oartmen.
It was thought there should be fixed certain weights and certain
places to weigh the hay ; this law established one of the places at
this market. That ''from and after the 20th of September, 1762, hay
shall be sold by the hundred weight of 112 lbs.;" and it was also
*' Ordained, that proper and conyenient machines, or engines, and
scales and weights for weighing carts and waggons, and hay, sliall
be made, erected, furnished, and provided, at the three following
places in this city, to witt: one machine or engine, with scales and
weights, shall be made, erected, and set up and supplied, at or near
the south end of the market, commonly called the Broadway Mar*
kel, in this city; one other at the White Hall Slip; and the other
at or near the dwelling-house of the Widow Van Keuren, in Mont-
gomerie Ward. Isaac Van Hook is hereby authorized to take
charge of the one at the market; Richard Weston at White Hall
Slip; and John De Peyster, Jun'r, at or near the house of Widow
Van Keuren. For the weighing of hay, one shilling and sixpence ;
one-half by the seller, and the other by the buyer. Carts and
waggons to be weighed without charge; and the weight, in plain or
legible figures, upon the after part of the shaft, by the above offi-
cers. The rates to be charged, 4s. if pitched into a stable; but if
thrown down in the street, Ss., and no more."
From the above, we find this marke^place noticed as the ^'Broad-
vxty Market ;^^ and the next year, in a petition, it is found with
another name. This states, " That the Crown Market, (more com-
monly called the ' Oswego Market,^) in the Broadway, is at so great
a distance from the North River, that the country produce brought
down and across the said river, to supply the markets of the city, must
be carried in carts from the different ships and wharfs on the North
River to the said Grown Market J^ They wish " a new market at
the foot of Courtlandt Street or Messier's Dock."
An unfortunate occurrence took place near this market three
years after, noticed in the "press" September 18, 1766. "On Mon-
day last, a negro man was driving a chair, in which was a nurse
and two small children of Mr. Verplank, of this city, merchant.
As they were passing Oswego Market, a dog flew out at the horse,
which occasioned him to start and fall down before, whereby the
driver was thrown off, and the nurse and two children fell on the
rump of the horse, and from thence to the ground. The eldest
child, a little boy, escaped unhurt; the nurse was bruised with the
Vol. I.— 18
Digitized by
Google
274 BBOADWAY MARKET.
fall ; bat nnhappilj, the little girl, about three years old, fell sear
the hind feet of the horse, who, straggling violently to recover
himself, before the child could be taken away, gave it two mortal
strokes on the head, of which it died in less than half an hour/'*
At this period (1770) this market was doing a large business;
bat Broadway was so glutted up in business hours, that many vehi-
cles could not pass and repass : this caused many complaints.
Several butchers are noticed on a petition, occupying stands
here, from which we find the following:
William Norman, John Faulkner, Edw. Rack WolflF,
Jacob Otte, William Fray, Christopher Stamler,
Prantiz W. Cornell, Julian Pine, John Onderline.
The cost of the sweeping the Ostoego Market, from a bill pre-
sented, from 19th September to the 16th January, 1770 — 123 days,
at 6d. per day — ^by George Helbert, amounted to ^3, Is., 6d. John
Hagelman also swept it at the same price.
In the early part of the next year, (1771,) the records show this
market was indicted as a nuisance. '' It represents that a certain
street in the City of New York, commonly called the Broadway,
situated and being in the West Ward, is a certain ancient street
and highway of our sovereign Lord and the King, George the
Third, Ac, and used for all the liege subjects of our said Lord the
King, their horses, coaches, Ac, to go, return, pass, Ac, at their
will and pleasure. That in the middle of the said common street
and highway stands a certain building, Ac, called the Ostoego
Market, which obstructs the street."
The Attorney-General moved for a writ to the Sheriff to pros*-
trate without delay the Ostcego Market; but it was afterwards
''Ordered, that unless the said indictment is traversed within twen-
ty days, that a writ be ordered to abate the same." The Commit-
tee were ordered to employ Mr. Duane as counsel in defence of said
indictment.
The indictment against this market-place created a great sensation
with all classes, and more particularly with the owners of prop-
erty around it ; but, as they all thought it could not be retained in
that location, they wished to have another as near it as possible
Some wished it near the North River; others, in Maiden Lane,
near Broadway ; but the largest number wished the location to be
in the present part. Broadway, at this time, from the Government
House (Battery) to Vesey Street, was generally known as ** The
Broadway" and "Broadway Street;" and from Vesey Street up to
sand-hill cross-road, (afterwards Art Street, now Waverley Place,)
«N.Y. 6tti«tie,&o.
Digitized by
Google
BROADWAY MARKET. 276
"St. George," or "Great George Street." This was, however,
changed on the 24th February, 1794, by the Board, and " ordered
one continued street, and that it be called 'Broadway/ "
In the month of March, (1771,) a petition from fifty-nine "of the
neighborhood" was presented to the Common Council, " praying to
grant them the priviledge to erect, at their own expense, a market-
house in the Fields, (Park,") And " if the Oswego Market should
be removed to the North River, it might be convenient for some few
inhabitants, and the particular interest of others." But " if a con-
venient market was erected in a proper part of the Fidde, it most
certainly would answer many good and efScient ends — being more
in the centre of the city ; the city tenants residing at and about
Incklan Barrack, the farmers and others, from all parts of the Bow-
ery and Eingsbridge road, who pay considerable taxes, Ac."
This was followed by another, signed by four hundred and forty-
one of the " principal inhabitants," who state that, *' We, the sub-
scribers hereunto, join in humble petition, craving that if the Oswego
Market is to be removed, that there may be a market erected in the
Fidds instead thereof." Among the signers were
Marinus Willet, Nicholas Bayard, Edward Burling,
Henry Kip, Corns. Roosvelt, William Ellsworth,
David Grim, David Waldron, John Minuse,
and others.
More than one hundred and twenty-five " carmen " also petition ;
and state, that " in case the Oatvego Market should be removed, that
you will be pleased to grant liberty to erect a publick market at a
proper place in the Fidda — ^being thoroughly convinced that it will
not only tend to thetr own maintenance^ but to the benefit and con-
venience of the publick in general, and the poor in particular."
The "carmen" thought if the location was made at the "North
River," a large share of their business would be cut off from carting
the large quantity of produce that came by the water.
The owners of property around this market-place finding they
were going to lose it, petitioned, on the 24th of April following,
for aid to assist in erecting a market-house in Maiden Lane, near
Broadway. They state that they *' have purchased their estates at
an advanced price, in confidence that a grant from the Corporation
was a sufficient security to them for the market remaining where it
now stands; but are fearful that the late indictment of the Grand
Jury will prevail against it. Thev have concluded to purchase one-
third of Conroe's lot, on Maiden liane, to erect a market-house by
the assistance or the Corporation." The Corporation, however,
gave them no encouragement.
Digitized by
Google
276 WHITE HALL SLIP MARKET.
The qnestion of the removal of the old " Broadway, ^^ alias " Oswego
Markei^^ was at last settled, by Mr. Samuel Jones, who, on the 29th
of July following, " delivered his opinion, that it would be most ad-
visable to remove Oswego Market, as the indictment found against
it cannot be defended." The Board " therefore agreed to take down
or remove the same," and soon after they adopted the site of the
Bear Market, as the new location ; but even after its erection we
find a petition was signed by tv)o hundred and twenty-five of the citi-
zens, who had appeared on the 28th of October following, " who
wish to erect at their own expense a market in the Fields" If this
had been favorably received, and the erection of a building taken
place, the " Park" would have been graced with an institution more
useful than ornamental.
''WHITE HALL SLIP MARKET."
1746. The location where this markelrhouse was erected in the
year 1746 was an old-established market-place. Near it, in 1656,
" The Market-Place at the Strand" was established; then followed
the " Custom-House Bridge Market" and a short distance above the
^^ Broad Street Market " had ceased to exist some few years before;
and the inhabitants of this neighborhood in the South Ward, being
without a market-place near by, some one hundred andforty^ix per-
sons petitioned for ** priviledge to erect and build a market-house at
the east end of Pearl Street, and a slip at the west end, at their own
expense. A convenient slip may be made for the receiving boats
and canoes that may bring provisions to the same market."
Among the signers to this petition, we find
Paul Richards, Philip Cortlandt, Arch'd Kennedy,
Edward Holland, Isaac De Peyster, and others.
At this period Pearl Street at the west end commenced on the
shore, near where now runs State Street, and ran easterly, or at the
east end of Pearl Street ended in Whitehall Street; from this the
continuation was called Dock Street. The location of this market-
house, accordingly, was at the corner of Whitehall and Pearl Streets
where it is seen on the original ** South Prospect of y« flourishing
City of New York," printed in London in 1746, (in the Society Li-
brary in this city,) and is also noticed in the Laws of 1748, as the
^^Market-house at the end of Pearl Street" The next year the Oa-
Digitized by
Google
WHITE HALL SLIP MARKET. 277
zette (August 2ith, 1749,) states: "At Mr. John Whiley's, the cor-
ner house almost opposite the ' White Hall Slip Market/ ''
White Hall took its name from White Hall^ London, and at an
early day this name became attached to Colonel Moore's large
white house, or hall, which stood close by this market, and no doubt
gave this market-place the above name.
To further prove the fact, that the west end of Pearl Street be-
gan on or near the line of the present State Street, the N. Y. Mer-
cury, September 7, 1767, says: "Yesterday morning the Coroner's
inquest set on the body of one William Eieth, a soldier of the 16th
Eegiment, who was found drowned near the end of Pearl Street^
under the wall of the Battery."
The "old landing-place at the Strand" was yet popular with the
Indians, although there had been the basins and a bridge made
there ; and this part of the petition for a " slip at the west end" was
to draw them away, " it being sometimes much crowded." " Those
who knew," say : "I have seen in 1744, and after, several Indian
canoes one after another come down the East and North Rivers, and
land their cargoes in the basins near the Long Bridge, and take up
their residence in the yard and store-house of Adolphus Philips,
where they generally made up their baskets and brooms, as they
could better bring the rough materials with them than ready-made
baskets and brooms. They brought with them, when coming from
Long Island or other sea-shores, a quantity of dried clams, strung
on sea-grass or straw, which they sold or kept for their own pro-
visions, besides the flesh of the animals they killed."
Adolphus Philips appears to have been a prominent and popular
merchant, oflBcer, and citizen in his day. Several years before this
market-house was established, an election had taken place here, but
it appears it had not been conducted as at the present time. The
New England Weekly Journal, September 12, 1737, says: "On
Saturday last came on the election of a representative to serve in
General Assembly for the City and County of New York, in the
room of Captain Garrit Van Horn, deceased. The electors appeared
in the Fields {Park, the uaval place of election then) about 9 o'clock,
with drums beating and colors flying, trumpets sounding, and violin
playing. The two candidates put up were Mr. Adolphus Philips
and Mr. Cornelius Van Horn. Most of the merchants and gentle-
men of the place appeared for Mr. Philips, and seemed to be the
greatest number ; but a poll was demanded, and thereupon the candi-
dates and electors repaired to the City Hall, {Broad Street) where
a poll was carried on all day, till about 9 o'clock at night, with
great warmth on both sides." Mr. Philips received 413, and Mr.
Van Horn 399 votes; the former was declared duly elected.
Digitized by
Google
278 BURLING'S MARKET.
This ma^ke^place stood about four years, when we find, on the
26th of April, 1750, a Committee was ** empowered to agree with
several persons " *' to remove the market-house near the Battery at
the comer of Pearl Street,"
"BURLING'S MARKET."
1746. On the 28th of February, 1746, a petition was before the
Board, '' from sundry inhabitants of the Montgomerie Ward,'' pray-
ing " for leave to build a marke^house in Rodman's Slip, at their
own expense, was again read, (it having been before them at a pre-
vious meeting,) and the priviledge granted."
Rodman's Slip had been previously known as Lyon's Slip on
Lyne's Map, 1729 ; but is found with both names in the records ; and
as Rodman's Slip on Ratzen's Map in 1767. Prior to this it was
occasionally known as '* Burlin's Slip," and afterwards they added
G to Burliuy to correspond with the surname of the old Quaker mer*
chant, Edward Burling, from whom this slip and market took their
names. I might also add here, that a part of this family moved to
New Jersey and settled '' Burling-ton" in that State. He lived at
the corner of the ** Smith's Ply," (Pearl Street,) and Golden Hill,
where '' Edward and James Burling sold iron, hardware, and New
York distilled rum."*
The law of 1748 notices this market-place as the *' Market-House
at Rodman's Slip," and the N. Y. Gazette, June 1, 1752, says: "By
Samuel Bowne's, at Burling^ s Slip, near the new market;^* another
paper ,t in 1754, notices " John Parsons, joiner, having lately set up
in his business, between the new market and Fly Market;" and
Maerschalck's Map of the city, 1755, marks No. 12 " Burlin's (Bur-
ling^s) Market," and this was its general name, until it ceased to
exist.
It never appeared to be a popular market-place, if we should judge
from the contents of the following petition presented on the 4th day
of July, 1760, from " John Riker and others, to the number of sixty
and upwards, inhabitants on both sides of the slip, commonly called
* Burling's Slip, in the East Ward,' which was read, setting forth that
notwithstanding the good intention of making or leasing that space
for a slip, and the erection and building a market-hauae, then at the
• N. Y. Mercury, July 26, 1766. t Ibid., April 2$.
Digitized by
Google
EXCHANGB. 279
liead of said dip, jonr petitioners conceiye that not only the good
ends and purposes which were expected in making the same have
not succeeded for many years last past, chiefly from the almost dis-
use of the same." It had then been standing about fourteen years,
and although it is marked on the map of the city by T. Maerschalken,
1763, letter Z, I think it did not then exist, except on that map.
The Laws of 1762 do not notice it, nor can I find any further refer-
ence to it in the old papers, except a notice in the Weekly Gazette
and Post Boy, July 8, 1766, that " On the evening of the Ist of July.
Godfrey Haynes, who followed the business of lobster catching for
this market, went in the waters to swim, near ' Burling Slip/ and
soon after drowned.'' " Tliis market^^^ in the above, no doubt meant
the New York markets in general.
"EXCHANGE," (IN BROAD STREET.)
1752. This building, no doubt, when erected, was intended for
the principal use of the merchants and gentlemen of the neighbor-
ing vicinity, as an Exchange ; but, as the lower part was used as a
market-plaoe many years after, it was but right to claim it as such
for the time during which it was so occupied. The Exchange and
the '* Exchange Market" were two separate buildings, and, at one
period, both existing at the same time, as will be shown.
In the month of June, 1752, several gentlemen subscribed to-
wards erecting this building, at the lower end of Broad Street,
near the *'Long Bridge." "XlOO was voted by the Common Coun-
cil to assist in so laudable an undertaking." This location would
now be nearly on a line of Water Street, in Broad.
The plan was proposed, and the building commenced ; but, on the
4th of October following, a resolution passed the Board, " That the
whole, or as much of the foundation on the east side of the Ex-
diango now a-building and to be built at the lower end of Broad
Street, as is necessary, to be taken up; and that five arches be
made on each side, instead of six, with two at each end." Its erec-
tion proceeded very slowly, as I find it was not finished until 1754,
when it was leased for one year to Oliver De Lancey, for X50;
the lower part was used by the merchants, and the upper rooms were
appropriated to various uses.
Digitized by
Google
280 EXCHANGE.
Notice was given on the 4th of February, in the *' press/'* that
**The new ^Exchange' being to be opened as a Coffee-Room on
Monday, the 11th day of this present month of February. Keen &
LlGHTPOOr/'t
'' 'The Beggar's Opera' and 'The Devil to Pay' to be performed
by a Company of Comedians, from London, at the new Theatre in
Nassaa Street, this present evening, 18th March. To begin at 6
o'clock. Boxes, 6s. ; Pit, 48. ; Gallery, 2s. Tickets to be had at
Mr. Parker's and Mr. Gaine's printing-offices, at the Bayal Eoo^
change, at the King's Arms, at Scotch John's, and of Mr. and
Mrs. Love, at the play-house."
Then, on the 6th of May—" The Post-Office is removed to the
house wherein William Walton, Esq., lately lived, near the New
Exchange.^^X And then — "To be sold at publick vendue, to the
highest bidder or bidders, at the New Exchange, in the City of New
York, on Wednesday, the 29th of May next, at 11 o'clock in the
forenoon, two certain lots of land ; which said two lots lie three
miles from the German settlement on the Walkill."§
Two years after, on the 19th of April, we find — " The proprietors
of the * New York Society Library' are desired to attend with their
ballots at the New Exchange, on the last Tuesday in April, for the
election of twelve Trustees."!! Then, on the 10th of July, 1758—
" Boper Dawson, at the Long Room over the Exchange, continues
to sell green tea, coffee, &c."l
In the month of February, 1760, the "Board" was informed that
" Mr. Watts and others had sent to Europe for a large dock, which
they intended as a publick one, and desired to know, that if the
Common Council would take charge of it and erect it in the
Exchange at their own expense, it was at their service;" which
was agreed to. In 1763, the N. Y. Mercury notices " Tickets for
the electrical experiments in the Exchange, which begins this day
at 11 o'clock, are sold at the 'Gentleman's Coffee-House/ and by
Hugh Gaine."
Trouble and hardship were now commencing, with business dull,
and a great deal of suffering; which is first represented in a "com-
munication" in Holt's N. Y. Gazette, Ac, January 4, 1765, as fol-
lows: "The declining state of business in the city, together with
high rents and prices of the necessaries of life, having reduced
very many families and poor people to great distress^ especially
since the late severe weather, we hear several humane gentlemen
of this city have made contributions for their relief."
• N. T. Mercqry. \ Ibid., March 18, 1764. \ Ibid., 6lh of Mmy.
^ VM., Maich 4. 1764. || lUd. t Dild.
Digitized by
Google
EXOHANaS. 281
The infliction of the " Stamp Act " soon followed, which led a
Committee of several prominent merchants and others, who ad**
▼ised and directed that the English merchants should ship no more
goods to the Colonies until the repeal of the Stamp Act, and to
decline selling on commission any such goods after the 1st January,
1766 ; which was generally carried out. This led to the establish-
ment of a Fair or Market at the Exchanffe, for the sale of ''home-
manufactured goods." The following notice appears in the "pa-
pers,''* dated October 17, 1765; "We he^r that the design of es-
tablishing a market, to commence on Wednesday, the 23d inst.,
under the Exchange." And on the 24th appears — *' Yesterday was
opened a market for home manufacture — supplied principally from
the country"— "to be held on every 1st and 3d Wednesdays in
each month." A notice on the 9th of December gives a more par-
ticular account of what was sold. "On Wednesday last was held
the market for home manufactures; and though so late an institu-
tion, we have already the pleasure to see it attended with great
success. Both sides of the Exchange were crowded with a variety
of goods, which had a very quick sale, and many gentlemen fur-
nished themselves with good warm clothing, Ac. Cloth will con-
tinue to be in great demand, as all ranks are zealous to wear it."
" To be clothed in homespun, or in garments which had been dis-
carded, was now honorable and fashionable." t Again, on the SOth
of the same month — "As the first Wednesday in January falls on
New Year's Day, we inform the publick that the market which was
designed for that day will be held on Friday, the third. There will
be a considerable quantity of cloths for men's winter clothes, be-
sides a variety of other articles-^linens, stockings, mittens, men-
caps, woolen checks, striped stufiis, linsey-woolseys, handkerchief,
bellows, crockery-ware, combs, gloves, shoe-brushes, metal buttons,
Ac- Happy country! that can supply itself with these articles."
Obadiah Wells was an agent for tiie sale of these goods, and re-
ceived five per cent, for sales and remittances.^
The odious "Stamp Act" passed on the 22d of Hardi, 1765, and
was received here with such a determined opposition, that the Gov-
ernment officers who had been appointed to distribute them were
compelled to resign this office, and "declare they will have nothing
to do with the stamps." It, however, was short-lived; in fact, it
only existed, in a state of torpitude, one year, less four days, when
its convulsive struggles ceased, on the ISih of March, 1766; and as
soon as " the news of the repeal of the Stamp Act, caused a sudden joy
through all ranks of people in the whole city ; all the bells were set
* Weekly 6«seit6&Poi4 Boy. t DanUm ii. 424. t Weekly Post Boy. April 24, 176«L
Digitized by
Google
282 EXCHANGE.
a-ringing, and continned till late at night, and the next morning
until nine o'clock."*
This resistance to the "Stamp Act" had the effect of leading the
farmers, mechanics, artisans, and others into more general habits of
industry and frugality ; in fact, it gave them a feeling of independ-
ence, that thereafter they could rely on their own resources.
"Pi£Wtco/a"t congratulates the public on the patriotic and fru-
gal spirit that begins to reign in this province. " For, (he sajrs,)
Istly. I observe that many of our most worthy citizens, and princi-
pal gentlemen, are clad in country manufacture or turned coats.
2dly. That spinning gets daily more in vogue, so that we rather
want materials than industrious hands."
Under this latter head, (icUy^) no doubt, its remarks were or be>
came true, if we should judge from the following: "On the 9th
instant, three young ladies at Huntington, on Long Island — namely,
Ermina, Liticia, and Sabrina — ^having met together, agreed to try
their dexterity at the spinning-wheel. Accordingly, the next morn-
ing they set themselves down, and, like the virtuous woman, put
their hands to the spindle, while their hands held the distaff; and
at evening they had 26 skaines of good linen yarn, each skaine con-
taining 4 ounces : all which was the effects of that day's work only.
N. B.— Tis to be hop'd that the Connecticut ladies, who are so
expert at their spinning-wheels, will not presume to think but that
their equals may be found on Long Island, if not in Huntington."^
Proceeding with "Pt/iKco?a'«" remarks, under the next head:
" 3dly. That the farmers are endeavoring to remedy this difficulty,
by the large quantity of flax-seed sown more than usual, and their
intention of keeping more sheep. 4thly. That little lamb now
comes to market, as no true lovers of their counti:y, or whose sym-
pathetic breasts feel for its distresses, will buy it. Sthly. That
sassafras, balm, and sage axe coming greatly into use instead of
tea, and are allowed to be more wholesome: this seeming trifling
article greatly increases our debt to England. Lastly. The fash-
ion of funerals and mourning is in general much altered from the
late troublesome, ridiculous, and expensive method ; for what could
be more absurd than for a person, when in affliction for their deai>
est relatives, to be teased about dress and ceremonial, and perhaps
involved in a large bill of costs, when their creditors are most apt
to call upon them?" He further says, in a postscript, that "an
effectual way to prevent lamb being brought to market would be, for
all the well-affected to their country not to buy any meat from such
butchers as killed any lamb."
• Weekly Poet Boy. May 23, 176e. f Ibid., Hay 80. 176«.
t Weekly Mercury, March 20. 176a
Digitized by
Google
£XCHAMG£. 283
Bat these exciting times have drawn attention from the Exchange^
which the " Chamber of Commerce," at a meeting, February 7, 1769,
were consulting about. They wished " to have a decent, large and
commodious room to meet in, and that the room over the Exchange
will be proper for that use." It was ** Ordered, that a Committee
do wait upon the Mayor and Corporation, and apply to them for the
use of the room over the Exchange, and agree on such terms as they
judge reasonable." This '' Committee " reported at their next meet-
ing, (March 1th,) that the Corporation '' were pleased to say that
the Chamber should have the use thereof for one year, free of rent,
from the first of May next, if they would put it in such repairs as
they required, and after that to pay X20 per annum."
Here they met, and while they dUscussed the '' topics of the day,"
they also discussed their " bread and cheese, beer, punch, pipes, and
tobacco, proTided (by the Treasurer) at the expense of the members
present, so that it doth not exceed one shilling each man, which each
person is to pay to the Treasurer."
These " topics of the day" were worthy of grave discussion, not
only by the members of this Board, but by all the patriotic inhabit-
ants. The Revenue Act, with its onerous duties and taxes, and many
others respecting domestic manufactures and foreign commerce,
with the quartering and providing of a large body of an obnoxious
and insolent soldiery, all tended to encircle them with rank oppres-
sion ; but again they arose, as with the " Stamp Act," and strike
such a blow as led to the separation of the Colonies from Great
Britain. The merchants, traders and others again entered into non-
importation associations ; but not with the same unanimity as before,
as we find several examples made of those who were not true to their
agreement.
•*A parcel of earthen ware, wrought iron, and a few other pack
ages of goods, having been brought in here on Tuesday last, from
New Haven, lately imported there from Liverpool, it was found, on
inquiry, that they belonged and were consigned to persons in this
city, save only fifteen crates of the earthen ware, the property of
the master of the vessel in which they were imported, and by him
sent here for sale. But we have the pleasure to inform the public,
that the owners of said goods, so far from insisting on their deliv-
ery here, agreeable to the tenor of the bills of lading, did very cheer-
fully sign an order to the master of the vessel who brought them, to
take them immediately back again to New Haven ; there to lie in
store until the act of Parliament imposing duties on paper, glass,
4c., is repealed."*
"The Committee appointed to inspect into the importation of goods
* Penna. Chrocacle, July 13, 1769.
Digitized by
Google
284 EXCHANGE.
in this city, contrary to the agreement subscribed by the merchaats,
traders and others, are, in consequence of the trust reposed in them,
under necessity of advertising the public, that Thomas Charles Wil-
let, milliner, in Wall Street in this city, having been at Philadel-
phia about six weeks ago, and suspected of having brought goods
from thence, confesses that he did there purchase sundry goods to
the amount of thirty pounds, which he exposed to sale in this city ;
that he exchanged in Boston, from whence he is lately arrived, some
unsaleable goods he has had in his store, for others which were ab-
solutely necessary for his business. He alleges, in his justification,
that he did not know when he purchased the goods in Philadelphia,
that it was contrary to the agreement of the merchants here, and
that as those he brought from Boston were only in exchange for
others less valuable, he conceived no injury done by it to the colony.
How far these excuses will exculpate the conduct of the said Willet,
must be submitted to the important public and to the patriotic ladiea
of this city, who will undoubtedly treat him accordingly."
" Saturday last, (says the same paper, July 14/A.) an amende hen*
orahle was performed by Mr. Simeon Cooley, of this city, in the
presence of a numerous audience, for a contempt and opposition
shown the agreement of British America for non-importation of
goods. He begged pardon of all his fellow-citizens ; promised never
to offend again in like manner, and engaged to send all the effects
he had imported to the public store, there to remain till the revenue
acts were repealed." They were soon after repealed, all except
that on tea^ which the people refused to use, or allow to be landed,
or imported.
Among the first to suffer for aot« of resistance was one of the
prominent " Sons of Liberty," Captain (afterwards General) Alex-
ander McDougal, whose prominent history with the " War of the
Revolution" is not yet written, except in the pages of other histories,
newspapers, &c. This patriot was arrested and imprisoned for a
long time, but was upheld by the " people," who daily visited him
in crowds; in fact, he was obliged to fix certain hours for visitors,
many of which were ladies. Gaine says: *' Wednesday last, the
forty-fifth day of the j^vs, forty -five gentlemen, real enemies to in-
ternal taxation, by or in obedience to external authority, and cor
dial friends to Captain McDougal, and the glorious cause of Amer*
ican Liberty, went in decent procession to d^e new goal ; and dined
with him on forty five pounds of beef-stakes, cut from a bullock of
forty five months old, and with a number of other friends, who join-
ed them in the afternoon, drank a variety of toasts," " to the num*
ber of forty-five."*
* N. Y. Gazette, fto., Felirauy 19, 1770.
Digitized by
Google
EXCHANGE. 285
We again turn to the " Eocchange,^^ where we find, " On Monday,
the 14th inst., January, at six in the evening, will be held at the Long
Room in the Exchange, the Annual Meeting of the Marine Society
of the City of New York, in the proyince of New York in America,
of which the members and those who incline to become members are
desired to take notice. By order of the President.
" Robert Benson, jffec'y."*
Then, in the month of June following, it was found in the posses-
sion of several valiant eoldiera^ whose grand attack on two peaceable
countrymen is noticed, as follows: "On Tuesday, the 11th instant,
we, the subscribers, Jacob Mills and Jeremiah Mulford, of Brook-
haven, on Long Island, having taken lodgings at the house of Mr.
William Milner, near the Exchange in New York, about 9 o'clock
in the evening we went from his door into the piazza of the Exchange^
where three soldiers who entered immediately after us, and the cen-
try, who stood there before, without the least provocation on our
part, furiously attacked us with drawn bayonets, both by thrusting
and striking, whereby we were both wounded in many places and
one of us dangerously in the head, face, hands, and body, and then
forcibly carried us away to the guard-hotMe, and there confined us.
We being at first ignorant of the cause of this outrageous behaviour,
inquirea the reason of it, and entreated the soldiers not to murder
us, which we apprehended was their design, and which they often
threatened both on the way to the guard-house and while we were
there ; they accused us with throwing stones at the centry in the Ex-
change, (placed there, we understand, on account of an entertainment
made by the officers in the rooms above.) We declared and offer'd
to prove our innocence of the charge — or to give security for our
appearance to answer for our conduct the next day — but all in vain,
we were hurried to the guard-house; and after several hours' con-
finement, were told that if we would pay 45s., they would release
us; we expostulated on the injustice of the demand, but one of us
being faint thro' loss of blood, and being in danger of bleeding to
death, in order to get our wounds dressed, and out of such hands,
we consented to deliver the money, which, when they had received,
they suffered us to depart.
"Next day, being advised that the shortest means of redress
would probably be by trial before a court-martial, we applied ac-
cordingly to advice, and on Thursday the 13th, a court-martial be-
ing called, the four soldiers were brought before them for trial.
We had several witnesses to prove that we were not the persons
who threw stones at the centry ; that we had but just left the house
• N. T. Joarnal, Jaaoary 14, 1771.
Digitized by
Google
EXCHANGE.
of Mr. Milner, and bad not meddled or concerned onrselvos with
them at the time they attacked as. On the other hand, three or four
soldiers in behalf of the prisoners appeared as witnesses, who de-
clared that we had thrown stones at the oentry, and that the money
paid for onr release was not extorted from us, bat Tolantarily offered
and pressed npon the soldiers in order to indace them to release as,
that the affair might drop without farther inquiry," " No oath was
administered to any of the witnesses on either side. Upon the
whole, we could obtain no manner of redress, and have since under-
stood that the soldiers were cleared."*
The next year, (1772,) the cupola of the Exchange being much out
of repair, an appropriation of X50 was voted for that purpose. The
lower floor at this period was no doubt used as a place of meet-
ing of the merchants, as the repeal of the Act on many of the ''home
productions" had withdrawn this sort of trade from here; however,
there appears to have been business enough in the neighborhood to
induce the Corporation to establish a ferry two years after at this
slip, " or from a stairs directly fronting the Broad Street, at the east
side of the Long Bridge, and on Long Island at a stairs built at the
Dock of Mr. Remsen. This ferry will be called SaiiU Otorg^s
Ferry. Passengers on the New York side will find the ferryman,
if not at the stairs, attending either at the house of Mr. John Lee,
the corner below the Coenties Market, or of Mr. James Cobham."
Then " Jqhn Cornell gives notice that he h^ opened a tavern at his
house on Tower Hill on Long Island, near the new ferry, called 'St.
George's Ferry.* Companies will be entertained, if they bring their
own liquor, and may dress turtle, Ac, at said house on the very
lowest terms."t In the month of August following he gives notice,
" that there will be a BvH baited on Tower Hill, at three o'clock in
the afternoon, every Thursday during the season."
The Corporation in the previous month of February had agreed
to establish ferries " from Coenties Market to the landing-place of
Philip Livingston, Esq., and Mr. Henry Remsen on Nassau Island;
another from the Fly Market to the present ferry at Brooklyn, and
a third from ' Peck Slip' to land at the place last mentioned.'*
We turn to the Exchange, and find "Rivington" {March 24, 1774,)
says: "On Tuesday last the greatest and most respectable number
of the inhabitants of this city ever known to be assembled on such
an occasion, gave at the Excharige a very elegant entertainment to
His Excellency the Governor, (TryoUj) on his approaching depart-
ure for Great Britain. True harmony and convivial mirth filled
the heart of every one present, and the day and evening passed
• N. T. Journal, Juae SO. f N. Y. Mercury May, 1774
Digitized by
Google
EXCHANGE. 287
with the most unii)temipted concord and unanimity. When His
Bxcellencj took leave of the company, he thanked them for their
genteel compliment; and added, that he went from them with re-
lactance, bnt that he expected soon to return, and hoped to find
tiiem in the same happy union in which he then left them."
The general introduction in the colonies of the manufacturing of
woolen goods caused from the " Stamp Act" in 1765, no doubt tend-
ed to increase the breeding of sheep and lambs, but not to that de-
gree which the detnand called for. Prior to this ''Stamp Act,"
sheep were raised more for exportation than for wool, as that article
was but little used, and consequently at a low price, and not in de-
mand. Mutton had but few admirers, and sheep were not allowed
to increase above the demand for exportation; but in the "lamb"
state, thousands were exterminated as food ; and although associa-
tions were organized against the use of young lamb, yet this fact did
not assist in the large demand for wool.* The Provincial Congress
in 1774, however, passed a resolution prohibiting sheep from being
exported ; this, with the increased price of wool, gave more encour-
agement to the farmers, until destroyed by the " Revolution."
Soon after this resolution was passed by Congress, an attempt
was made to evade it by one of the trading vessels. "On Monday
last, (said Gainer) a discovery being made that 18 sheep were in a
sloop in the harbor bound for the West Indies, a number of citizens
waited on the Captain, and informed him that the exportation of
«Aeep was contrary to a resolution of the Continental Congress,
and thereupon obtained his promise that they should be relanded,
and not carried out of the harbor. The people were satisfied, and
patiently waited till evening, when a report prevailing that the
vessel was to sail that night, about 200 inhabitants assembled on
the wharf, appointed and sent four persons to wait on the Commit-
tee of Correspondence, and request their advice concerning the
measures proper to be taken. By their advice, the merchant to
whom the yessel came consigned was sent for, and desired to cause
the sheep to be landed and delivered to one of the Committee ap-
pointed on this occasion by the people, which person gave his prom-
ise to return the sheep as soon as the vessel sailed. Accordingly
the sheep were landed, delivered, and soon after the vessel was sail-
ed, returned to the proprietor ; on which the people being well sat-
isfied, peaceably dispersed."
These proceedings were not at all relished by "A Westchester
Farmer," who says : " Had the Congress attended in the least to the
iarmers' interests, they never would have prohibited the exporta-
• See Fly Market, ** ArchlTes," p. 914, October 20, 1774, toL L
Digitized by
Google
288 SXCHANOE.
tibn of sheep, after they came to a certam age. It is the exporta-
tion that keeps up the price of sheep ; it is the advantageous price
that encourages the farmer to feed them: take away the profit of
selling them, and the farmer will Jceep bat few. For they are not,
and I am confident never will be, in this country, worth keeping
for their wool alone. However, right or wrong, the Congress have
passed the decree. Thou shaU not export sheep was pronounced at
Philadelphia ; and, right or wrong, the Committee of New York
are determined to put it in execution ; and thou ahait not export sheq)
is echoed back from New York. How this decree is to be support-
ed in New York, may be learned from the following affair : A gen-
tleman, an ofiBcer in the King's service, had purchased a number of
sheep to carry with him to St. Vincent's: Mr. Gaine's netoapaper
says eighteen. The New Yorkers, probably afraid that they should
lose their share of the mutton, assembled on the dock, sent for the
Committee, and, in open violation of the laws of their country,
obliged the merchant to whom the vessel had been consigned to
have the sheep landed: the sheep were committed to safe durance
till the vessel sailed, and then were delivered to the proprietor. I
suppose to the person who had sold them to the officer ; though how
he could be the proprietor after he had sold them, I cannot see."
The next year, the subject of killing lambs in certain months of
the year was brought before the Provincial Congress, and on the
23d of June a resolution was introduced by Gouverneur Morris,
" That the inhabitants ought not to kill any lamb until the first of
November next." This was referred to a meeting on the 29th inst.,
when ''Mr. (Captain) McDougal offered a substitute, which was
carried;" and they "Resolved, therefore, That no person in this
Colony kill any lamb until the first day of August next."
In the month of August following, a public-house opposite the
Exchange was much injured from a cannon-ball, the particulars of
which are as follows: "On the night of the 23d of August, 1775,
while the Sons of Liberty were removing cannon from the Battery,
the Asia man-of-war began firing with cannon, and the balls struck
a house next to Roger Morris's and Samuel Fraunces', at the corner
of the Exchange: each had an eighteen-pound ball shot into their
roofs."* This firing was the first cannonading the city received in
the Revolution, and caused considerable alarm, especially among
the women and children, many of whom hurriedly left the city.
Some of the "Sons of Liberty" soon after turned their attention
to Rivington, whose "Gazette" had become very abusive; when one
of their number, Captain Sears, brought into the city a small body
* JEUvingtoa'B GcuBettoer, Aogoat 31, 1776.
Digitized by
Google
EXCHANGE. 289
of Connecticut troopers, in the middle of the day of the 4th of De-
cember following, and demolished his press and printing materials,
which stopped his paper, and he soon after went to England. How-
ever, he retarned after the British troops had taken possession of
the city, and his reception back again is thus noticed : '' On Thurs-
day eyening last {26th September^ 1777,) the house of Loosley and
Elms, King's Head Tavern, was elegantly illuminated, to testify the
joy the true * Sons of Freedom ' had on the arrival of Mr. Biving-
ton from England. This gentleman, with unparalleled fortitude, hav-
ing nobly disdained to usher to the world any inflammatory pieces,
which might be productive of introducing anarchy, instead of con-
stitutional authority, into this once happy country, felt in the sever-
est degree the rage of popular delusion. Liberty he always firmly
adhered to ; licentiousness from his soul he ever detested. A per-
son, in honor to free press, extemporary pronounced this:
* Rivington \b arrived— let every i
This injured penoD'0 worth coofen:
Hts royal heart abhorr'd the Rebel plan,
And boldly dam'd them with his press.' " *
He came with the appointment of King's Printer for New York,
and changed the former name of " Rivington's Gazette,'' to the
** Royal Gazette," in which were afterwards found the Govern-
ment's proclamations and orders.
William Butler, a British ofiBcer, says: "The inhabitants, from
the arrival of His Majesty's troops till the evacuation of New York
in November, 1783, were free from the payment of taxes of every
kind, either for the purpose of lighting the lamps or cleaning the
city, repairs of the pumps, streets, or roads, or the public works, as
well as the maintenance of the poor." " The markets were raised
above eight hundred per cent, for the necessaries of life. The
landlords, from the demands for houses, raised their rents on an
average of four times the sum such houses rented previous to the
rebellion. And the vast number of merchants and others daily
arriving in the city, was the cause of a constant increase in the
article of house-rent." t
Some details of the scarcity of provisions in the city at this pe-
riod are introduced in the history of Fly Market; but out of the
city, the Rebels, as Rivington was much pleased to notice the Patri-
ots, in his Royal Oaxette, November 17, 1777 — " By a flag of truce
which arrived on Tuesday evening, which left Albany on the 4th
inst., we learn that the necessaries of life have risen to such exor-
• N. Y. Gazette and Weekly Mercury, September 29, 1777.
t TomUnaon'i Papers, in Mercantile Library.
Vol. L— 19
Digitized by
Google
290 EXCHANGE.
bitant prices as make them almost unattainable to those not con-
cerned in the Bebel Army.'' '' The currency is reduced to the low-
est ebb, and barter is substituted in the place of money. Those
who have not one commodity to give for another, must pay the fol-
lowing prices, viz. : Port wine, 8 dollars per bottle ; rum, 12 dollars
per gallon ; salt, 30 dollars per bushel ; Bohea tea, 16 dollars per
lb. ; sugar, 10 shillings per lb. ; beef, 1 shilling and 4 pence per lb.;
indifferent linen, when to be had, 12 dollars per yard ; and butter,
from 9 to 10 shillings per lb.'* The same, 24th inst., states that
such articles as ** flour, rice, tea, and tobacco were brought by land
over the Middle Road, through York Town in Pennsylvania, and
Hartford in Gonnecticut, to Boston, where flour sells at 15 dollars
per hundred; shoes, 10 dollars; boots, 36 dollars; and trowsers,
(pantaloons,) such as are worn by negroes, 18 dollars a pair; a very
plain surtout coat, without lining, 60 dollars ; ordinary beef, 1 shil-
ling; prime do., 15 pence; pork, 18 pence; and not a single hat to
be purchased at any price."
We also find " Holt," the patriotic printer of the N. T. Journal^
who, with the army under General Washington, had left the City
of New York, and afterwards was found publishing his paper along
at intervals, suffering with the rest, for want not only of means, but
also of the necessaries of life, which he proposes to take in the way
of trade. In the month of August he says : "And the printer being
unable to carry on his business without the necessaries of life, is
obliged to afiSx the following prices to his work, viz. : For a quarter
of news, 12 lbs. of beef, pork, veal, or mutton, or 4 pounds of butter,
or 7 lbs. of cheese, or 18 lbs. of fine flour, or half a bushel of wheat,
or one bushel of Indian corn, or half a cord of wood, or 300 wt.
of hay, or other articles of country produce, as he shall want them,
in like proportions, or as much money as will purchase them at the
time; for other articles of printing work, the prices to be in pro-
portion to that of the netospaper. All his customers, who have to
spare any of the above, or other articles of country produce, he
hopes will let him know it, and afford him the necessary supplies,
without which his business here must very soon be discontinued."
The situation of the Rebels on the 12th of June, 1780, at the
Highland Forts, and the detachments that were sent to the north
from there, were noticed as follows: "They are obliged to carry
even provisions with them, which they can ill spare, living, as they
do at the Highland Forts, from hand to mouth ; there being no
magazines anywhere, and the country already drained, and the
prospect respecting the ensuing harvest very discouraging."* ^To
* N. Y. Quetto ADd Weeklj Meroory.
Digitized by
Google
EXCHANGE. 291
supply the deficiency of meat, they are employed, in all the upper
parts of the (North) river, in taking and salting fish for the Conti-
nental soldiers." Prom another source-—" We are informed by a
gentleman who lately left Albany, that the chief Continental butch-
er there is ordered to employ a number of the other butchers in
catching fish, such as herring and sturgeon, for the use of the
Continental Army, as their money is reduced to so low an ebb, that
they cannot afibrd beef, and that they have a guard at the farm of
General Schuyler at Saratoga, to prevent the inhabitants getting
any share of the fishery."*
The next year, (1781,) in the month of July, we find General
Washington at Dobb's Perry, where he and his little army lay en-
camped ; and, to encourage the farmers and others to bring pro-
visions, clothing, Ac, there for sale, he, by a " Proclamation," es-
tablished a market-place, as follows:
"-Be it knovm^ That every day during the time the army remains
in its present position, from daybreak until noon, two market-
places will be open for the supply of the army: one near His
Excellency's Head-Quarters, in the field first back of the house and
near the quarters of the Adjutant and Quarter-Master-General ; the
other in the Prench camp, near the house of Henry Taylor, which
is the Head-Quarters of His Excellency the Count de Rochambeau.
"All persons who will bring any article of provisions, and small
supplies for the use of the army, may depend upon being protected
in their persons and property ; and shall have full and free liberty
to dispose of the produce without molestation or imposition ; and
will receive no hinderance from the guards of the army on their pass-
ing to or repassing from the market-places. No person will be per-
mitted to take any article without the full consent of the owner.
" It is expected, however, and will be required, that every per-
son, on his or her first coming to market, wiU be furnished with a
certificate of recommendation, shewing their attachment to the
American cause and interest, signed by two civil magistrates, or two
other respectable persons, of known and approved character, that
no injury may arise to the army from the arts of designing and
evil-minded persons. If the army should take a different position,
other places will be named where the like liberty and protection
will be given. Given at Head-Quarters, near Dobb's Perry, the
10th day of July, 1781. G. Washington.
*' By His Excellency's command.
"Jonathan Trumbull, Jun'r, Secretary y
In 1778, says the " Bw/al Oatette/' of the 2d of December, " Mrs..
• Boyal Gasetto, Maj 17.
Digitized by
Google
292 EXCHANGE.
Treville has just returned from the country, and opened the * Lon-
don Coffee-House' at the Exchmge, where gentlemen maj be en-
tertained with breakfasts, dinners, and suppers, tea, coffee, Ac*
Those gentlemen who please to honor her with their company, as
she is provided with a good waiter and cook;'' and on the 2d of
February, 1780, " the New York Marine Artillery Company are de-
sired to meet this day, at twelve o'clock, at their rendezvous in the
Exchange.^^
But the Exchange was not long after a rendezvous for the British
soldiery, either to meet or feast; smiling pea/ce stepped in and bade
them depart, and give place to the tired and tried soldiers of free-
dom, that they might rest in the arms of liberty.
The first news of jjeooe, says Butler,* in a letter, was " On the 6th
day of April, 1783: a packet from England arrived at New York,
and brought over the preliminary articles of peace ; and on the 8th
of the same month, His Mtyesty's proclamation, declaring a cessa-
tion of hostilities, was publickly read by the Town M^jor at the
City Hall." The reception of this proclamation among the loyal
citizens is thus described : " We are informed by persons who were
present at New York when the proclamation for a cessation of hos-
tilities was read in the presence of a great number of people, that
at the conclusion, instead of the signs of approbation generally ex-
hibited on such occasions, nothing but groans and hisses prevailed,
attended by bitter reproaches and curses upon their king, for having
deserted them in the midst of their calamities. The greatest de-
spair is depicted in every countenance, and the little comfort they
can possibly experience in the deserts of Nova Scotia will tend to
heighten their distress. It is said that the number of persons last
embarked for that country amount to near four thousand, "t
This was followed with an " Order," dated " Head-Quarters, New
York, 16th of June, 1783. The proprietors of houses or lands late-
ly evacuated will apply to Lieutenant-General Campbell, for the
possession of those on Long Island ; to Brigadier-General Birch for
those on York Island, and Brigadier-General Bruce for those on
Staten Island. These general officers will be pleased to cause all
such estates to be immediately delivered up to the proprietors or
to their attornies, unless where they may see sufficient reasons for
retaining them some time longer, which reasons they will report to
the Commander-in-Chief. In ^like manner, all estates which shall
hereafter be evacuated are to be surrendered up to the proprietors,
"(Signed,) Ol. Db Lancby, Adjt. General.^t
* TomUnson's Papen, in Mercan 
Live Music Archive
Librivox Free Audio
Metropolitan Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Internet Arcade
Console Living Room
Books to Borrow
Open Library
TV News
Understanding 9/11